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Gov. Richard Yates House

Historic building
In Springfield, Illinois
0.3 mi from Route 66
National Register of Historic Places

The Gov. Richard Yates House in Springfield, IL, went up in 1904-05 for Governor Richard Yates Jr. Designed by the local firm Helmle and Helmle, it mixes Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne ideas, with rusticated stone walls unusual for the firm's houses. Its great hall and a raised landing by the fireplace let Yates host political gatherings and speeches. It is a private home about 1 mile off the old road.

What is Gov. Richard Yates House?

The first floor has walls of rusticated stone, as does the west-side turret on both of its stories, a rare choice in Helmle & Helmle's residential work. The front door opens into a great hall that links the main rooms, a layout made for entertaining crowds. In front of the fireplace, a landing formed a small stage where Yates or a guest could stand to address the room.

History of Gov. Richard Yates House

Richard Yates Jr. left the governor's office in 1905, the same year the house was finished. He later went on to represent Illinois in Congress from 1919 to 1933. Its National Register listing came in March 1984.

Visiting Gov. Richard Yates House: tips

View the house from the sidewalk and respect the owners. Washington Park is about 0.2 mile away, and the Howard K. Weber House and the John L. Lewis House are each about 0.3 mile, so it pairs well with a stroll in the park.

Practical info

Address: 1190 Williams Boulevard, Springfield, IL 62704
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Gov. Richard Yates House

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Charlie Parker's Diner
Springfield, IL · 1.7 mi from Gov. Richard Yates House
A Springfield diner dating from 1992, handy for a meal while exploring the Illinois capital on Route 66.
Diner & restaurant
Cozy Dog Drive In
Springfield, IL · 2.3 mi from Gov. Richard Yates House
A Springfield drive-in known for its cornmeal-battered Cozy Dogs, Route 66 memorabilia and guest book.