POP QUIZ: Which U.S. President visited the Mohonk Mountain House while in office?
HINT: One of Mohonk’s summerhouses is named after him – Arthur’s Seat – with majestic views of Sky Top Tower.
ANSWER: Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States came to the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz twice, first in 1875 and again in the summer of 1884 during his time in office.
Arthur, once an attorney and Collector of the Port of New York, served as president from 1881-85, replacing James Garfield upon Garfield’s assassination in the summer of 1881.
According to MMH: Arthur’s sister, Mary Arthur McElroy, was vacationing at the Mountain House when the President visited. He traveled by railway to New Paltz to meet her with his daughter, niece, and a general. Arthur was a widower, and his sister Mary served as his social hostess and acting First Lady during his presidency.
BONUS: What other U.S. presidents have stayed at the Mohonk Mountain House?
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ANSWER: In addition to President Arthur, other presidential visitors to the Ulster County getaway included Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Rutherford B. Hayes and William “Bill” Jefferson Clinton. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton was also spotted eating in the House’s dining room soon after losing the 2016 presidential election.
