Paul W. Dillon Home

The Paul W. Dillon Home is a 14-room Renaissance Revival mansion in Sterling featuring period furnishings and collector's items throughout its interior. Each room displays original objects and artifacts arranged to show how wealthy residents arranged their living spaces during this era.

Colonel Edward N. Kirk built the mansion in 1857 in the Renaissance Revival style. Washington M. Dillon purchased the property in 1882, and it became the lifelong home of his son Paul W. Dillon.

The home reflects the wealth and design choices favored by wealthy industrialists in the Midwest during the late 1800s. Visitors can observe how these families displayed their status through their furnishings and the spaces they inhabited.

The property is open to visitors on specific days throughout the week, requiring planning ahead for your visit. Contact ahead of time to confirm current access times and any group visit requirements.

A historic steam locomotive numbered 73 sits on the south lawn as a reminder of the owner's ties to the railroad industry. This machine represents one of the last of its kind to operate in America during the steam era.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1980

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.79130,-89.68090

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41