William Cullen Bryant Homestead

Concert by a string quartet on the porch

The plant William Cullen Bryant Homestead, built in 1783 comprises the home of the American writer William Cullen Bryant and the surrounding area with a total area of ​​195 acres ( 0.8 km ²) in the field of Cummington city in the state of Massachusetts in the United States. The site is registered as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places ( NRHP) and is managed by the organization The Trustees of Reservations.

History

1799, Peter Bryant with his family in 1783, built by his father- building. His son William Cullen spent his childhood and youth, and was influenced by both the natural beauty of the Berkshire Mountains as well as by the conservative principles of western Massachusetts. The first version of his now famous work Thanatopsis he wrote at the age of 17 years in this house.

The house was sold in 1835, it acquired William Cullen back in 1865. Until his death in 1878, it served as his summer residence. During this time he undertook many changes at the 27- room building, so that the present appearance is due to this period of time. Since 1929, the house and surrounding, formerly used as farm land plots are owned by the Trustees of Reservations.

William Cullen Bryant felt the place Cummington, where he had spent his early years, always very connected. So he donated 500 U.S. dollars for the construction of a new school building and was built at his own expense a new, completely furnished library. To facilitate the access to it, he also financed a road that is part of Massachusetts 's Route 112 today. 1981, the Trustees were able to acquire additional land, which is why today, registered in the NRHP surface has lower dimensions.

Sanctuary

The protected area is characterized mainly by the picturesque landscape of the Westfield River Valley, which is also reflected in the works of the eponymous writer and among other things, Frederick Law Olmsted and Charles Eliot inspired what eventually led to the founding of the Trustees of Reservations.

Run for over 150 years largely unchanged reserve covers pastures, fields, 200 years ago the first time harvested sugar maple and forest areas. A total of 2.5 mi (4 km) of hiking trails, including those belonging to the ft very old hemlock and up to 150 over lead ( 45.7 m) tall pines. Access to the reserve is free of charge, the main house, however, has opened only irregularly. Of the Trustees tours also are offered.