Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet, Illinois, is a beautiful historical site that has been well taken care of for more than 140 years. The mansion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a must-see for people who are interested in history and architecture.
In 1873, a wealthy businessman and politician from Joliet named Jacob A. Henry built the estate. The mansion was built by the architects Bauer and Hill in the popular Second Empire style of the late 1800s. The mansard roof, which has dormer windows and a steep slope, is what makes this style stand out.
There are 40 rooms in the mansion, including 17 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and a large ballroom. The inside of the mansion is just as impressive as the outside, with intricate woodwork, plasterwork, and stained glass windows. A lot of the furniture in the mansion came with it when it was built in the late 1800s.
The secret room in the basement is one of the most interesting parts of the house. In the 1970s, a group of people who were helping to fix up the mansion found the room. It is thought that the room was used to store alcohol during Prohibition. Since then, the room has been fixed up and is now ready for people to look around.
In addition to the mansion, the estate has a coach house, stables, and a greenhouse, among other buildings. The coach house has been turned into a museum that shows the history of the mansion and the Henry family.
Up until the early 1900s, the Henry family lived in the mansion. At that time, they sold it to the state of Illinois. The mansion was first a hospital for people with tuberculosis and then a state mental hospital. The mansion was left empty and fell into disrepair in the 1970s.
The Jacob Henry Mansion Preservation Society was started by a group of volunteers in 1977. Their goal was to bring the mansion back to its former glory. For more than ten years, the group worked hard to raise money and finish the restoration. The City of Joliet now owns and runs the mansion, which is open for tours and private events.
It’s easy to see why weddings and other important events are often held at the estate. The mansion and its grounds make a beautiful setting for any event. The grand ballroom is very impressive, with its high ceilings and crystal chandeliers.
The estate also hosts a Christmas open house and a Victorian tea, among other events, all through the year. People can learn about the mansion and its history in a new way at these events.
People who go to the mansion can also go on ghost tours, which are held at certain times of the year. There are rumors that the mansion is haunted, and many people who have been there having reported strange things like strange noises and cold spots. Ghost tours are a fun way to see the mansion after dark, whether or not you believe in ghosts.
Along with the mansion, the estate has a beautiful garden that was designed by the famous landscape architect Jens Jensen. There are winding paths, a pool for reflection, and a pergola in the garden. People can stroll through the garden at their own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Overall, the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate is a must-see for anyone in Joliet or the surrounding area. The mansion and its grounds show some of the history of the area, and the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who worked to save it are shown by how well it was fixed up. The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate is a great place to go if you’re interested in history, and architecture, or just want to see a beautiful place.
