Anderson Mansion: Home of the Macoupin County Historical Society

Anderson Mansion: Home of the Macoupin County Historical Society (920 W. Breckenridge Street).

The John C. Anderson home is one of the best-known structure in Carlinville, though it was constructed in three pieces. In 1883, the home began as a one-story, L-shaped residence.  The second floor, attic, and tower were added in 1892.

Today, the house contains three stories and thirteen rooms, combining Italianate, Queen Anne, and Stick Style architecture.  Among the period outbuildings is a summer kitchen/wash house that was built around the same time as the main residence.  Many buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, have been added to the site, adding to the historic feel of the grounds.

Local banker C.H.C Anderson built the house for his son, John C. Anderson as a wedding gift; John and his wife, Lucy, lived in the house until their deaths in the 1930s.  The home remained in the family until the early 1970s, and fell into considerable disrepair.  A number of urban legends arose from the property, including a rumor that it was part of the Underground Railroad (untrue, since that network was before the Civil War).  The home was also the site of various hauntings, again unproven.

Early photo of the John C. Anderson residence.  The first floor of the Anderson Mansion was built in 1883 and the second floor was added in1892.

In 1973, the property was acquired by the Macoupin County Historical Society, which has devoted countless hours to physical labor, fundraising, and festivals designed to promote and protect the grounds.  The main house is used as the Anderson Mansion Museum with exhibits that chronicle the development of Macoupin County and its citizens.  Thanks to their efforts, the county boasts one of the finer historical facilities in central Illinois.  The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 5, 1992.

The gardens at the Macoupin County Historical Society were planted and maintained by the Macoupin County Master Gardeners.  A native plant garden is a favorite of visitors to the grounds as well as the beautiful iris and day lily garden near the old red barn.

Present day home of the Macoupin County Historical Society.

Native plant garden planted and maintained on the MCHS grounds by the Macoupin County Master Gardeners

Return to Amtrak Station by retracing steps on Breckenridge, North Oak, West Nicholas, Loomis and West Main Streets.   

END OF TRAIL THREE

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