David Davis Mansion

David Davis Mansion is a three-story yellow brick residence with thirty-six rooms standing on spacious grounds that include gardens and additional structures. The building displays the layout and design typical of wealthy American households from the 1800s.

David Davis, who worked as Abraham Lincoln's campaign manager and later became a Supreme Court Justice, commissioned this house in 1870 from architect Alfred H. Piquenard. The mansion was built during a transformative period in American history following the Civil War.

The collection of Renaissance Revival furnishings reflects how wealthy 19th-century American families lived and decorated their homes with care. Walking through the rooms shows the personal tastes and daily routines of those who called this place home.

The mansion is usually open to visitors from Wednesday through Saturday with guided tours available to learn about 19th-century American life. It is worth taking time to walk around the property to see the gardens and other structures beyond the main house.

The property includes Sarah's Garden, a restored Victorian flower garden that maintains its original 1872 design and plant varieties. This garden offers a rare glimpse into how ornamental gardens were planted and organized during that era.

Location: Bloomington

Inception: 1870

Architects: Alfred H. Piquenard

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.48222,-88.97972

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30