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The Unification Theological Seminary is situated on 250 acres in the Northern Dutchess County hamlet of Barrytown, New York. The grounds are part of the former Massena estate of John R. Livingston (1755-1851) which was purchased by John Aspinwall in 1860. The original Massena Mansion was destroyed by fire in 1885 and replaced by the High Victorian Gothic style house which still stands on the site of the first mansion.
In the summer of 1868, 9-year-old Theodore Roosevelt visited the estate with his family for three weeks. Young "Teedie" explored the enchanting fields and forests, and was inspired to begin his famous diaries, and insect, bird and mammal collection which he named the "Roosevelt Museum of Natural History."
Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founder of UTS, and President Roosevelt have both dedicated their lives to the pursuit of world peace. Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for negotiating an end to the Japanese-Russo War in 1905. Rev. Moon is actively pursuing peace in the Middle East and reconciliation between the Muslim, Christian and Jewish peoples.
Both have been devoted family men and have written about the joys and responsibilities of marriage. And both have been great lovers of nature.
UTS is proud to dedicate its nature trails to Father and Mother Moon and President Theodore Roosevelt.
Father's Trail is now open to the general public as part of the larger Hudson River Greenway Project.
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