Slabsides

Slabsides is a one-story log cabin built in 1895, with walls made of rough, bark-covered logs stacked horizontally. The structure rests on red cedar posts, features a front porch with railings, large windows that allow light and views inside, and a substantial central chimney running through the roof.

Naturalist John Burroughs built this cabin in 1895 with his son as a private retreat for writing and observation. The site later gained importance when it became a meeting place for notable visitors, including President Theodore Roosevelt, who recognized Burroughs' contributions to nature writing.

The name comes from the slate slabs found scattered across the property and the surrounding landscape. The place shows Burroughs' belief that living close to nature feeds both creative work and personal reflection.

The cabin is open to visitors only on specific dates throughout the year and typically requires advance reservations. Expect minimal modern facilities on site, as a visit here offers a basic and authentic experience of how the space functioned originally.

The cabin was deliberately constructed using unhewn logs from the surrounding land, giving it a raw, natural appearance. This choice of materials reflects Burroughs' philosophy of living simply and in harmony with the immediate environment around him.

Location: Esopus

Architects: John Burroughs

GPS coordinates: 41.79444,-73.97306

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11