Abigail Adams Smith House (Headquarters of the Colonial Dames of America)

History and architecture

The charm of this Federal style stone stable converted into a comfortable headquarters for the Colonial Dames is to be found in its superb masonry construction and its excellent proportions. The sharp profiles of the low pitched pedimented gable roofs cut a clean line that is both severe and pleasing to the eye. A smooth-faced stone belt-course separates the rock-faced masonry of the lower floor from that of the second story clearly defining the building’s perimeter.

Attractive brick-work is to be found around the round windows and the bulls-eye windows of the attic story. In the restoration careful attention was given to the details of the doors, windows and columns of the porch and to many other features of this unique building. Handsome landscaping of old world charm surrounds the building.

Smith's folly or "Mount Vernon on the East River", as it was called by the owner, consisted of a twenty-three acre farm planned as a country-seat for Col. William S. Smith and his wife, Abigail Adams. Colonel Smith purchased the property in 1795. Because of his financial losses, work was discontinued on the mansion and out buildings. In 1798, the property was purchased by William T. Robinson who, it is believed, completed construction of the stable in 1799.

The Headquarters of the Colonial Dames was formerly this stable, for the mansion burned down in 1826 and was never rebuilt. In the same year the "stone stable" was converted into an inn known as the "Mount Vernon Hotel". In 1833 the Hotel was bought by Jeremiah Towle who converted it into a private home for his family, and in 1924 the building was purchased for the Headquarters of the Colonial Dames of America, who saved it from destruction.

Colonel William S. Smith (1755-1816) was the son-in-law of President John Adams. During the period when Adams served as the American Minister at the Court of St. James, Colonel Smith served as secretary of the Legation. Abigail Adams Smith, for whom the house was named, met the young military aide, and fell in love with him. They were married in London in 1786. Colonel Smith had been an aide to General Washington and to General Sullivan. He also served as Inspector and Adjutant General to General Lafayette. As an honored and prosperous citizen of New York, he was President of the Order of the Cincinnati and held successively the offices of Federal Marshal, Supervisor of the Revenue and Surveyor of the Port of New York.