by Leigh Goessl

Created on: March 26, 2009   Last Updated: September 13, 2009

Boscobel is a beautiful piece of American history which is tucked snugly above the banks of the Hudson River. Built just after the turn of the 19th century, the home's original location was actually several miles south of where it sits today.

The historic home was moved for preservation in the 1950s from its original location in Montrose, NY to its current location in Garrison, NY after being slated by the government for demolition for a mere $35.

Today the home has been restored and beautifully brought back to life and serves as a fascinating museum. The home and gardens are seasonally available for tour and throughout the year special events are held on the grounds.

*Origins and History of Boscobel

The grand home was originally owned by States Morris Dyckman, who was a Loyalist during the American Revolutionary War era. He married the granddaughter of one of his Loyalist neighbors named Elizabeth Corne. The marriage produced two children.

The mansion was commissioned to be built and construction commenced in 1804 on Dyckman's 250 acre farm in Montrose. During the years after his marriage, Dyckman was recalled back to England several times and soon after his final return to New York, he unfortunately fell gravely ill due to an old injury and passed away in 1806. Elizabeth continued construction and the majestic home was completed in 1808.

The house was built in the same design of many English Federal architectural style homes that were popular during this period. The inside and outside of the structure were built ornately and definitely with elaborate and fashion in mind.

*The Restoration

After the government had slated the building to be demolished, a man named Benjamin West Frazier raised enough money to buy the home. He had the house dismantled and relocated to its current site in Garrison.

The home remained in storage in barns and other buildings until enough money could be raised to rebuild the house and the right location came onto the market where the home could be reassembled. This opportunity came in 1956 when a 26 acre piece of land became available for sale.

In 1961 the home and grounds were opened to the public. At this time the interior of the home was not designed in accordance with what was historically accurate, but over the years the museum has diligently been working hard to restore the home along the lines of how the home looked originally.

In the 1970s family records of States Dyckman were discovered and today a combination of replications,

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