Jacob H. Henry House
- Historic building
- In Joliet, Illinois
- 0.2 mi from Route 66
- National Register of Historic Places
The Jacob H. Henry House is a large historic home on Joliet's East Side in Joliet, IL, close to the Route 66 corridor. It blends the Second Empire and Italianate styles and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Accounts of the neighborhood describe the Henry mansion as its anchor, the home of a wealthy railroad man, which makes it a highlight of any walk through the city's finest old residential streets.
What is Jacob H. Henry House?
The house combines two styles that were popular for well-to-do homes in the 19th century, and here both appear on a single building. Second Empire is known for its tall mansard roofs, while Italianate brings deep eaves, decorative brackets and tall windows.
It stands on South Eastern Avenue, in the same part of town as Joliet's East Side Historic District, and it is listed as wheelchair accessible.
History of Jacob H. Henry House
The East Side became Joliet's most desirable neighborhood during the second half of the 19th century, helped by its closeness to the railway station. Histories of the district name the Henry mansion as its centerpiece and describe Henry as a rich railroad tycoon. The first local churches, Central Presbyterian and Richards Street Methodist, rose nearby soon after.
Joliet itself was founded in 1831, grew on the strength of local limestone quarries and the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and became a city in 1852. The house is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visiting Jacob H. Henry House: tips
Plan a short stop to see the exterior. No regular public tours are listed, so view it from the street or public sidewalk and respect the property. Pair it with Joliet's East Side Historic District, about 0.2 miles away, and the Louis Joliet Hotel, also about 0.2 miles away. The Rialto Square Theatre is about 0.3 miles off. For photos, cross the street so the whole house and roofline fit in the frame.
Practical info
- Address
- 20 S Eastern Ave, Joliet, IL 60433
- Phone
- +1 815-722-1420
- Website
- jacobhenrymansion.com
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9–4
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Jacob H. Henry House
All diners on Route 66 →
On the map
Full mapJacob H. Henry House with the 6 closest stops and a place to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
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Stops near Jacob H. Henry House
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Questions about Jacob H. Henry House
What style is the Jacob H. Henry House?
It mixes the Second Empire and Italianate styles.
Can you go inside the Jacob H. Henry House?
No regular public tours are listed. View it from the street and respect the property.
Own or run Jacob H. Henry House? Send us a photo or a correction.