Townsend Home

The Townsend Home is a limestone residence built from stone quarried on the property, featuring Greek Revival architectural elements and the New England Upright and Wing style. It sits north of Stockton along Canyon Park Road with vertical lines and distinctive wing extensions typical of this regional building tradition.

Built between 1851 and 1856 by George Townsend following his return from the California Gold Rush, the house represented a significant investment in establishing roots in the region. The property subsequently developed into a substantial agricultural operation that shaped the local landscape for generations.

The home reflects the architectural traditions brought by settlers from New York who moved to the Midwest during the 1800s. This style shows how communities recreated their familiar building patterns in new regions.

The property is best reached by car, located on a country road away from the main highway. You will drive west on US Route 20 and then turn north onto a secondary road that leads toward the state park nearby.

The limestone house has remained under family ownership since completion, with multiple generations of Townsends living on the property and maintaining its original features. This long-term continuity is uncommon for private residences of this era, making it a distinctive example of unchanged architectural preservation.

Location: Illinois

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.37389,-90.05083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40