| Welcome to another in a series of travelogue | | | | The Home Of America's 8th President: Martin Van |
| articles highlighting historic sites related to | | | | Buren |
| America's presidents. Located in mid state New | | | | After winning the 1836 election, Martin Van Buren |
| York about 25 miles southeast of Albany, the | | | | became the 8th president in early 1837. Not long |
| charming town of Kinderhook is home of the | | | | afterwards, the country sank into a recession. |
| farm and restored mansion of America's 8th | | | | This, coupled with increasing tension between |
| president, Martin Van Buren. | | | | northern and southern states, prevented Van |
| Visiting Kinderhook, New York | | | | Buren from being elected to a second term. And |
| Kinderhook is a perfect half day trip from Albany, | | | | yet, during his one term, he was well noted for |
| the capital of New York. You'll find all sorts of | | | | his diplomatic abilities. He successfully navigated |
| things to see and do in Albany, which has the | | | | the United States through difficult political issues |
| bustle of a government town. Kinderhook is | | | | with England and Spain. |
| slower paced and small, a typical upstate New | | | | He ran for president twice more, in 1840 and |
| York charming small town. | | | | 1844, but was defeated both times. This |
| If you enjoy antique shopping, the area around | | | | beautifully restored mansion, named Lindenwald, |
| Kinderhook is ideal. Over 35 antique stores dot | | | | was where he not only conducted his campaigns, |
| the streets of Kinderhook and adjacent towns. | | | | but met with prominent leaders and celebrities of |
| The quaint downtown area is perfect for a stroll | | | | the day. In his later years, Van Buren was a |
| and to stop in one of the local shops or | | | | respected elder statesman who continued to |
| restaurants. | | | | impact the country until his death in 1862. |
| Presidential Trivia | | | | From late May through October, Lindenwald and |
| Everyone is aware of the phrase "OK", but do | | | | the surrounding grounds are open to visitors. |
| you know how it originated? Credit goes to Martin | | | | Tours are given on the hour, with tickets available |
| Van Buren, whose nickname was "Old | | | | at the adjacent visitors center. Once inside the |
| Kinderhook". In letters and memos to staff, he | | | | mansion, you will be taken through many of its 36 |
| frequently signed off with "OK", which from his | | | | rooms, complete with many original furnishings |
| perspective meant "off to Kinderhook". The | | | | and items from Van Buren's presidency and |
| abbreviation stuck and morphed into the meaning | | | | family life. |
| we know today. | | | | |