Thomas Cole


Matthew Brady, Thomas Cole, Daguerreotype, Collection Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, DC.

Thomas Cole (1801-1848) was the artist and early environmentalist who founded the influential Hudson River School of American Landscape Painting. Cole lived between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars when the United States was undergoing rapid change. His iconic paintings of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountain views that surround his home became emblems of American beauty and inspired the young country to preserve its natural landscapes. Cole was born in England and witnessed the rapid Industrialization of the countryside before immigrating to the US with his family in 1818. He first visited the Catskills in 1825 and the resulting paintings made him an overnight success. He also wrote extensively about the need to preserve the natural landscape. Cole moved into the Catskill home in 1836, upon marrying Maria Bartow Cole, whose family owned the property. He lived and worked there until his death in 1848.

Primary Medium: Painting

Primary Stylistic Term: Hudson River School

HAHS Affiliations: Frederic Church‘s Olana is connected to the Thomas Cole Site by the Hudson River Skywalk, a scenic walkway over the Hudson River via the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Olana was the home of Cole’s student, the artist Frederic Church.

Fun Fact: Although the historic site bears Thomas Cole’s name today, he never owned the home. While he lived here, ownership passed from his wife’s uncle to his wife’s elder sister, Emily Bartow. Due to the laws at the time, Emily was only able to own property because she was unmarried.

Recommended Publications: Thomas Cole’s Journey: Atlantic Crossings by Elizabeth Mankin Kornhauser and Tim Barringer (2018); Thomas Cole’s Studio: Memory and Inspiration by Franklin Kelly (2022); Thomas Cole Site Guide Book; Essay on American Scenery by Thomas Cole (1836); Thoughts & Occurrences: The Journal of Thomas Cole (1834-1848)