The Saint-Gaudens’ Sanctuary
October 2025
A Sculpture's Life and Works at Saint-Gaudens NHP
Despite the rain and the closure of the park due to the government shutdown, we still went for a visit to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. This historic park preserves the home, gardens, and studios of one of America’s leading sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens was born in Ireland to a French father and Irish mother, and immigrated to the U.S. as a child. He began his artistic career at just 13 and became celebrated for his Civil War memorials. Replicas of his works exhibited in this park include the statue of Admiral David Farragut, the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Memorial, and Abraham Lincoln: The Man.
The Ravine Trail, Swimming Hole, and Sanctuary
We followed the Ravine Trail, a short, steep, wooded path that descends to the swimming hole once used by Augustus Saint-Gaudens himself. Saint-Gaudens had this trail and pool built while he lived here. Unfortunately, we only saw the pool from a distance since the bridge to it was damaged by a fallen tree.
The Saint-Gaudens family chose this spot for their Aspet home for its views of Mount Ascutney and the surrounding landscape. Even though we didn’t see the mountain on this gloomy day with rain, the grounds and gardens were nonetheless colorful and charming. The sculptor must have loved it here, too. On his family grounds, he rests in The Temple, surrounded by the same natural landscape that once inspired his artistic creativity.