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John M. Hamilton House

Historic building
In Bloomington, Illinois
0.5 mi from Route 66
National Register of Historic Places

Governor John M. Hamilton's former home stands in Bloomington, IL, about 0.7 miles from the old Route 66 corridor. It is a private home, so view it only from the public sidewalk. John Marshall Hamilton lived here for about a decade before he became governor of Illinois in 1883. The house itself dates to about 1872 and holds a National Register listing.

What is John M. Hamilton House?

The house dates from about 1872 and was built by James Clark, a fur trader, who sold it to Hamilton in 1873. It stands on South Clayton Street, in a neighborhood of historic homes. Its National Register listing is dated September 6, 1978.

History of John M. Hamilton House

Hamilton's career in state politics began while he lived here. Elected to the state senate in 1876, he served four years there and was chosen president pro tem in 1879. Two years later he won election as lieutenant governor on the ticket with Shelby Moore Cullom. After Cullom left for the U.S. Senate, Hamilton became governor, serving from 1883 to 1885.

Once he took office, he left this house behind and never came back to live in Bloomington.

Visiting John M. Hamilton House: tips

Stay on the sidewalk and respect the property. A quick photo is all you need. White Place Historic District, the Robert Greenlee House and Vrooman Mansion are all right nearby, so the house fits easily into a short neighborhood walk.