Slabsides

Slabsides was the name of naturalist John Burroughs' rustic cabin near West Park, New York (now part of the town of Esopus). Built in 1895, it served as Burroughs' rural retreat, a place to observe nature, write, and entertain friends. The cabin was constructed from rough-hewn, bark-covered slabs of wood, hence the name "Slabsides." It was deliberately simple, reflecting Burroughs' philosophy of living close to nature and appreciating its beauty without elaborate artifice. The surrounding land provided Burroughs with ample opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and contemplation, all of which informed his numerous essays and books on nature. Slabsides is now a National Historic Landmark and is maintained by the John Burroughs Association. Visitors can tour the cabin and the surrounding grounds, gaining insight into Burroughs' life and work and the natural world he so eloquently described. The term "Slabsides" is often used synonymously with Burroughs and his nature-centric lifestyle.