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Ruben M. Benjamin House

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

The Ruben M. Benjamin House is a two-story Classical Revival home in Bloomington, IL, about half a mile from the old Route 66 corridor. John L. Routt, who later became the first governor of Colorado, built it in 1856. Attorney Reuben Moore Benjamin, known for legal battles over railroad regulation, then lived here for more than 60 years. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is Ruben M. Benjamin House?

The house is a rectangular, two-story building in the Classical Revival style, with the balanced, formal look that style favors. It sits on East Grove Street, within walking distance of other historic homes.

History of Ruben M. Benjamin House

Two notable men shaped its story. John L. Routt built the house in 1856, long before he became Colorado's first governor. Reuben Moore Benjamin, a lawyer whose cases on railroad regulation made his name, made it his home for over six decades. The National Register added it in August 1978.

Visiting Ruben M. Benjamin House: tips

This is a historic residence, so view it from the sidewalk and respect the owners' privacy. A few minutes is enough. It sits inside a cluster of historic homes: the East Grove Street District is about 0.1 miles away, and White Place Historic District and the John M. Hamilton House are each about 0.2 miles off. Vrooman Mansion, a historic house that takes overnight guests, is very close.