The Whirlwind

1825–1848

89 paintings at the National Academy of Design

From the founding of the National Academy of Design in 1825 until Cole's death, 89 of his paintings were shown at its exhibitions.

1836

Marries Maria Bartow

Cole married Maria Bartow of Catskill, a niece of the owners of Cedar Grove, and became a year-round resident there; the couple had five children.

1836

Writes the essay “American Scenery”

In his article on “American Scenery” Cole described his complex relationship with the American landscape in aesthetic, emotional and spiritual terms.

1838

Third place in the Ohio Statehouse competition

Cole wrote poetry and dabbled in architecture: he took third place in the competition to design the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, and many contend that the finished building, a composite of the three winning entries, closely resembles his design.