Edwards Place | Springfield IL

Edwards Place is a historic mansion and museum in Springfield, Illinois, that offers a richly detailed glimpse into mid-19th century life and politics in Lincoln’s hometown. It’s known for its deep connections to prominent Illinois families, including the Edwards family and the Lincolns, and its role as a social and political hub in the antebellum period.

Detailed Overview of Edwards Place

1. Historical Background

Built in 1833, Edwards Place originally belonged to Dr. Thomas Houghan but gained prominence after being purchased by Benjamin S. Edwards, son of Illinois Governor Ninian Edwards.

The Edwards family were significant figures in Illinois politics and society, with strong ties to other influential families, including the Todds and Lincolns.

Benjamin S. Edwards remodeled and expanded the home in 1857 to create a grand Italianate mansion, perfect for hosting important social and political gatherings.

The house became a center for entertaining leading figures of the time, such as Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, and many Illinois politicians and judges.

The mansion’s parlors and dining rooms witnessed important conversations, political debates, and social events that shaped the era.

2. Connection to Abraham Lincoln

The home has strong Lincoln family connections. Mary Todd Lincoln’s sister Elizabeth was married to Benjamin Edwards, linking the two families.

A centerpiece artifact is the “courting couch”, believed to be where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd spent time together during their early courtship.

The couch was originally from the Ninian Edwards family home, where Lincoln and Mary Todd were married in 1842.

The house offers unique insight into the social context in which Lincoln lived and built relationships.

3. Architectural Features

The home is a fine example of Italianate architecture, popular in mid-19th century America.

Key features include:

Bracketed cornices and wide eaves.

A central cupola with a skylight providing natural light.

Ornate window moldings and tall windows.

A spacious layout after the 1857 expansion, with 15 rooms accommodating large gatherings.

The house sits on what was then the northern edge of Springfield, surrounded by a 14-acre grove of elm, walnut, and maple trees, providing a picturesque setting.

4. Interior and Furnishings

The mansion’s interior has been restored to reflect its 1857 appearance, showcasing Victorian-era décor and furnishings.

Many original pieces belonging to the Edwards family remain, including fine wood furniture, decorative arts, and personal belongings.

Visitors can see:

The formal parlors where guests were entertained.

The dining room, capable of hosting large dinners including one reportedly for the entire Illinois Legislature.

A music room featuring an original piano from the Ninian Edwards home, linked to Lincoln family events.

The house’s design reflects the social customs and domestic life of wealthy 19th-century families.

5. Museum and Educational Role

After remaining in the Edwards family until 1909, the mansion was donated in 1913 to the Springfield Art Association by Alice Edwards Ferguson.

It has since operated as a museum and cultural center, offering tours, exhibitions, and educational programs focused on Springfield’s history and the Edwards family.

Guided tours explore the home's architecture, furnishings, and stories about its residents and visitors.

The museum also hosts special events and programs that interpret mid-19th-century social and political life.

6. Visiting Edwards Place

Location: 700 North 4th Street, Springfield, Illinois.

Tour Availability: Guided tours run Tuesday through Saturday, typically at 1 PM and 2 PM.

The house is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.

Admission: A modest fee (around $5 for adults; free for children under 10).

The first floor is wheelchair accessible, and a virtual tour is available for those unable to access the upper floors.

Free parking is available nearby.

7. Cultural Importance

Edwards Place is not just an architectural treasure but a window into the political and social networks that shaped Lincoln’s Springfield.

It preserves the atmosphere of the era when Illinois was a young state growing rapidly in political influence.

The home’s stories connect visitors directly to the lives of the people who lived through and influenced significant events in American history.

Summary

Edwards Place stands as a richly preserved monument to antebellum Springfield’s social, political, and domestic history. With its elegant Italianate architecture, original furnishings, and close ties to Abraham Lincoln and Illinois politics, it offers a vivid and detailed experience of 19th-century life. As both a historic home and museum, Edwards Place helps visitors understand the personal and political world that shaped Lincoln and his contemporaries.