David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

We would like to extend our profound appreciation to everyone who supported us during this crisis. Without the hundreds of donations given by the local community and by individuals from all over the United States, we could not have staved off the threat of closure.

As we begin planning for our future, the David Davis Mansion will continue to need private (as well as public) funds to operate, and the David Davis Mansion Foundation will continue seeking private financial support for the site's educational programs, heirloom garden restoration and special events. We realize that these are challenging times economically, and we are profoundly grateful to those of you who have already provided us with financial assistance. If you have not already joined our efforts, we hope that you will consider becoming a member of the David Davis Mansion Foundation, giving a special donation, and/or making a contribution to the Endowment, recently created to ensure the Davis Mansion's long-term survival. Please join the David Davis Mansion Foundation today!

Our goal is to raise $130,000.00 to help keep the Mansion open, but we can't do it alone. Your donation/membership in the David Davis Mansion Foundation today will help ensure that future visitors, both young and old, will have a chance to experience a remarkable moment in time, when Illinois stood at the crossroads of the nation's history.

Foundation membership is comprised of Mansion volunteers and individuals who support the Mansion through private donations. In the past, the State has provided funding for day-to-day operations, the Foundation has provided funding for:

• Educational and special events programs
• Purchasing period furnishings and landscaping materials to further site restoration
• Meeting the site's needs for computers and other equipment
• Publicizing the site and its programs

David Davis Mansion History

The David Davis Mansion, completed in 1872, combines Italianate and Second Empire architectural features and is a model of mid-Victorian style and taste. Known as Clover Lawn, it was the home of David Davis, the friend, mentor and campaign manager for Abraham Lincoln. As President, Lincoln appointed Davis as United States Supreme Court Justice in 1862.

Tour Information and Visitor Services

• Tours begin in the Visitor Center.
• Visitors must cover their shoes with shoe covers when they enter the house. Shoe covers will be provided.

Cameras and video cameras are not allowed inside the Mansion; non-commercial, exterior photography is welcome. See Photographic Use Policy and Permit Application.

Strollers and backpacks may not be taken inside the Mansion; these items should be left in the visitor's locked vehicle. Bicycles should be locked and parked at the Visitor Center.

• No food or beverages allowed inside the Mansion
• No smoking inside the Mansion or in the Visitor Center; no smoking within 15 feet of the entrances to the Mansion and to the Visitor Center.

Visitor Services (All tours):

• Public restrooms are available in the building north of the barn/stable
• Free parking on site

The following are accessible to persons with disabilities:

• Public restrooms
• First floor of Mansion

Visitor Center

• Site brochures in the following translations are available at the Visitor Center:
• Russian, German, French and Japanese.
• Free brochures describing area restaurants, hotels, etc. are available in the Visitor Center

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