Hudson Almshouse
Also known as: Hudson Lunatic Asylum, Hudson Orphan and Relief Association; Hudson Area Association Library
Why it's listed
Built around 1818 on State Street in Hudson, New York, this limestone building began as the city's almshouse. It has a three-story center pavilion, five bays wide, flanked by two-story wings with front-facing gables and fanlights. A stone addition was added behind the west wing in the 1880s. Over the 19th century the building served as the Hudson Lunatic Asylum under Dr. Samuel White, then as the Hudson Female Academy, and from 1865 to 1881 as the home of riverboat captain and mayor George H. Power. It then housed the Hudson Orphan & Relief Association, later the Children's Home of Columbia County, until 1957. Since 1959 it has been the Hudson Area Association Library. Window sash, lintels and interior finishes were altered over time, with many Italianate details, yet the exterior still reads as the original composition. It was listed for its architecture and its ties to the social history and education of Hudson.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is an important regional example of early 19th century masonry institutional architecture in Columbia County. Its changing uses as almshouse, lunatic asylum, female academy, private residence, orphan home and library also illustrate themes in Hudson's 19th century social and educational history.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 08000921, listed September 19, 2008. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 400 State St., at the head of 4th St., Hudson |
|---|---|
| County | Columbia County |
| Listed | September 19, 2008 |
| Reference number | 08000921 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | c. 1818-1957 |
| Architect / builder | Building committee of Dr. John Talman, Judah Paddock and Barnabas Waterman (Waterman a builder credited with the James Vanderpoel House in Kinderhook) |
| Architectural style | Early Republic: Federal |
| Criteria |
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| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History, Education |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Since 1959 it has housed the Hudson Area Association Library; the pointing is badly eroded and the basement shows moisture damage. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 42.25459, -73.78644 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 08000921.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q23091796
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.