Oglesby Mansion

The Governor Oglesby Mansion is an 1870s Italianate style home of 3-time Illinois Governor, U.S. Senator and Civil War General Richard J. Oglesby.

Richard J. Oglesby is recognized as one of Decatur's most distinguished citizens. He served his country well as a U.S. Senator, a Union General in the Civil War, a three-term governor of Illinois, and a close friend and colleague of Abraham Lincoln.

Make a donation to the Gov. Richard J. Oglesby Mansion to continue its restoration and preservation. We are a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation may be tax deductible. Please check with your tax professional.

The Mansion was built in 1874 after his second marriage. The original plans for Oglesby Mansion were by William LeBaron Jenny, a Chicago architect best known for designing the first modern skyscraper. The Oglesbys modified the plans a great deal and hired a local contractor to build the house for them. Their four children were born while they lived in the house. In 1882 they moved to Lincoln Illinois and then to Elkhart where they built a much larger house on Elkhart Hill.

The house was sold to James E. Bering in 1882 and he and his descendents lived in the house until 1972. At that time, the Mansion was purchased by the Macon County Conservation District with a state grant. Restoration began in 1976 and continues today. The care and restoration of the house is under the direction of the Governor Oglesby Mansion, Inc.

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