Thomas Cole (1801-1848) was an American artist and early environmentalist. He was an economic migrant and the founder of this nation’s first major art movement, now known as the Hudson River School of landscape painting.

Visit Cole’s historic home and studios in the landscape that inspired it all.

Explore Thomas Cole’s historic home, studios, and grounds, hike to one of the places in nature that he painted, see major exhibitions of 19th-century and contemporary art, browse the gift shop, take in a lecture, or celebrate at one of our special events.  Learn about all there is to see and do here.

Join a community of people who care about American art and landscape.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is situated between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, and is surrounded by cultural and scenic attractions in an area known for its history and its beauty.

Cover slide show photo credits: 1: © Peter Aaron/OTTO, 2: Rachel Stults, 3, 5 & 7: Zio & Sons, 4: Devin Pickering, 6: Vincent M. Picone, 8: Andrew von Urtz