Edwards Place
- Historic building
- In Springfield, Illinois
- 0.1 mi from Route 66
- National Register of Historic Places
Edwards Place in Springfield, IL, began in 1833 as a Greek Revival house and grew into the Italianate mansion seen today, which places it among the oldest homes in the city. Its owner, lawyer Benjamin S. Edwards, turned it into a political hub, and it hosted visitors who came for Lincoln's funeral. Since 1913 it has belonged to the Springfield Art Association. It sits about 1 mile off the old road.
What is Edwards Place?
The house shows its long growth. It started in the Greek Revival style in 1833, was enlarged in 1836 and again in 1843, and was largely rebuilt and enlarged in 1857 into the Italianate house preserved now. Look for bracketed cornices and a cupola topped with a skylight, the details that mark the 1857 remodel.
Today it serves the Springfield Art Association as a museum, a school and a meeting place, and several items that belonged to the Lincoln family are kept in the house.
History of Edwards Place
Benjamin S. Edwards, a lawyer whose father, Ninian Edwards, had been governor of Illinois, owned the house. Under him it became a center of Springfield politics, the scene of rallies and gatherings, including one hosted on the grounds by Stephen A. Douglas. When Springfield held Lincoln's funeral, the house took in guests who had traveled for it.
In 1913 his daughter, Alice Edwards Ferguson, gave the house to the newly founded Springfield Art Association. It joined the National Register in December 1969.
Visiting Edwards Place: tips
Edwards Place is about 1 mile off the old road. As home to the art association and its museum, it opens to visitors; check its website for times before going, and allow about an hour. The John F. Bretz House and Warehouse is about 0.3 mile away, and the St. Nicholas Hotel and the Fisher Building-Latham Block are each about 0.5 mile, toward downtown.
Practical info
- Address
- 700 North 4th Street, Springfield, IL 62702
- Website
- edwardsplace.org
- Hours
- We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Edwards Place
All diners on Route 66 →
On the map
Full mapEdwards Place with the 6 closest stops and places to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
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Stops near Edwards Place
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Questions about Edwards Place
How old is Edwards Place?
The oldest part dates to 1833; its present Italianate form comes from an 1857 rebuild.
Who owns Edwards Place?
The Springfield Art Association, which received it as a gift in 1913 and uses it as a museum, a school and a gathering place.
Own or run Edwards Place? Send us a photo or a correction.