Locust Grove

The Locust Grove Estate, located just off of the busy Route 9 in Poughkeepsie, was once the home of Samuel F.B. Morse, the artist and inventor. The estate’s Italiante-style villa was designed by Alexander Jackson Davis in 1850 as Morse’s summer home.

After Morse’s death in 1872, the estate was rented to William and Martha Young, a wealthy couple from Poughkeepsie. The Young family officially purchased the property in 1901, and expanded Morse’s villa to make it a year-round residence.

Like Morse, who was inspired by 19th century landscape design to create vistas and frame views, the Young family expanded his vision, acquiring adjoining land and creating carriage roads along the Hudson River, which are accessible for hiking.