Harlan-Lincoln House

The Harlan-Lincoln House is a Renaissance Revival residence in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, built in 1876 by James Harlan, Iowa's first Republican Senator. The building displays period architectural features and contains furnishings and household items from that era.

James Harlan built the house in 1876 and served as Iowa's first Republican Senator and later as Secretary of the Interior under President Lincoln. After his time, the house became a repository for personal items belonging to the Lincoln family, especially Mary Todd Lincoln.

The house served as a gathering place for Robert Todd Lincoln's family, who spent time here together during visits. The rooms show how a wealthy household of the 1800s organized daily life and kept personal treasures.

The house is open to visitors by appointment only, with guided tours available from March through October. Winter months have limited hours, so it is best to plan your visit in advance.

The house preserves Abraham Lincoln's collar from the night of his assassination, along with Mary Todd Lincoln's mourning veil. These rare personal items offer direct connections to the tragic events surrounding the Lincoln family.

Location: Iowa

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.97167,-91.54917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02