Manchester, Vermont – Hildene, the former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, remains a point of pride for the town of Manchester, Vermont. Originally conceived as a summer home, the sprawling 412-acre property and its 24-room Georgian Revival mansion offer a glimpse into the life of a family deeply intertwined with American history.
The estate, which overlooks Vermont’s Battenkill Valley, remained in the Lincoln family until 1975. Today, Hildene operates as a non-profit organization, offering a variety of exhibits and experiences to visitors. Among these is Sunbeam, a meticulously restored 1903 Pullman railcar, providing a unique window into the golden age of rail travel.
Gary Parjk, Hildene’s exhibits and collections manager, described the opulence of the Pullman cars, noting how they transformed rail travel into a luxurious experience. “This table during the day pulls out into this space and unfolds into a seating arrangement for eight people,” he explained. “These opulent sleeping cars were famous worldwide.”
The Pullman Palace Car Company, founded by Illinois entrepreneur George Pullman in 1867, pioneered the concept of “palace on wheels,” offering amenities such as Cuban mahogany interiors, electricity, central heating, and plumbing – features considered remarkably advanced for the time. Pullman later hired Robert Lincoln as his company’s chief attorney.
Following Pullman’s death in 1897, the company turned to Lincoln for assistance, and he agreed to serve as interim president for approximately one year. During his tenure, Lincoln reportedly doubled, or nearly tripled, the company’s profits.
Hildene’s history is also interwoven with the story of Robert Lincoln’s wife, Mary Harlan Lincoln, and her embrace of Christian Science. Following the death of their son, Abraham (Jack) Lincoln II, in 1890, Mary found solace in the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy and became a practitioner of the Church. She stipulated in her estate plan that, in the absence of future heirs, the estate should be bequeathed to the Christian Science Church.
In 1976, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, announced its intention to sell Hildene, prompting concern among Manchester residents. The town was given 90 days to formulate a plan to purchase the estate before it would be offered to other buyers. The situation highlighted the complex legacy of the Lincoln family and the estate’s importance to the local community.
Today, Hildene continues to evolve as a cultural and educational resource. The estate’s formal garden, designed in 1908 by Robert Lincoln’s granddaughter, Jessie Lincoln, for her mother, Mary Harlan Lincoln, stands as a testament to the family’s enduring connection to the land. Archival documents suggest Robert Lincoln actively collaborated with his daughter on the garden’s design.
Beyond its historical significance, Hildene also embraces the present, offering visitors opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape and engage with the local arts scene. The estate is located in Manchester, an area described as an “angler’s paradise in the summer” and a “skier’s haven in the winter.” Nearby attractions include independent bookstores, family-owned outdoor shops, and the Southern Vermont Arts Center, which provides a platform for local artists.
Hildene is currently open Thursday through Monday, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The estate is also hosting events related to President Lincoln’s birthday and an immersive program on the Pullman Porters on February 15th, 2026, alongside a guided tour of Sunbeam. The Lincoln Forum Symposium is scheduled to take place at Hildene from May 1-3, 2026, with registration currently open.
The estate also features livestock, including sheep and cows, and offers seasonal programs focused on farm life, further enriching the visitor experience. Hildene’s ongoing commitment to preservation and education ensures that the legacy of the Lincoln family will continue to inspire generations to come.