Sinnett Octagon House

The Sinnett Octagon House is a two-story brick residence with eight sides, featuring a wraparound porch and a windowed cupola rising from its roof. The octagonal floor plan extends throughout the entire structure, defining its interior layout and walls.

Built in 1855, this house was constructed during a time when American builders were experimenting with octagonal designs. The eight-sided shape became part of a wider architectural trend that gained attention across several states.

The house blends Greek Revival and Italian Villa styles, reflecting design preferences that wealthy homeowners valued during the mid-1800s. This style choice shows how European influences shaped American domestic architecture of that era.

The house now serves as office space in Muscatine and stands as a listed historic property. Since it remains a private building, visitors should check local guidelines before attempting to view the interior.

The octagonal shape was chosen not just as a design trend but for practical reasons: the geometry allows more natural light to reach different rooms and maximizes usable interior space. This theory about eight-sided efficiency attracted many homeowners of the era.