"Our National Historic Landmarks help to preserve a legacy of where we have been as a nation," Norton said. "It is through these historic sites that we preserve and share our history with future generations."

Manitoga is a self-designed home, studio and landscape of nationally acclaimed American industrial designer Russel Wright. The 75-acre environmentally designed landscape consists of more than four miles of paths for hiking and links to the Appalachian Trail. The site is a unique opportunity to experience history and enjoy flora and fauna of the Hudson Highlands.

Wright is a founding member of the American Society of Industrial Designers and was prominently known as the designer of the "American Modern" style in domestic decorative arts as the inventor of the still popular sectional sofa.

The National Historic Landmark designation is the highest such recognition accorded by our nation to historic properties. These special places are the actual sites where significant historical events occurred, or where prominent Americans worked or lived, and represent the ideas that shaped our nation. Fewer than 2,500 historic places carry the title of National Historic Landmark.