Veraestau, Greek Revival house in Aurora, Indiana, US.
Veraestau is a two-story brick house sitting on a high bluff overlooking the Ohio River, built in the Greek Revival style. The structure shows multiple construction phases from different eras that have shaped its current form.
Judge Jesse Holman built the original log structure in 1810, but a fire destroyed it completely before the house could establish itself. The brick building that stands today was reconstructed in 1838 following this destruction.
Two sisters who grew up here, Edith and Alice Hamilton, became influential figures in their own right. Edith wrote about ancient civilization and mythology, while Alice pioneered medical education and public health, both drawing on the intellectual environment fostered within these walls.
Indiana Landmarks operates the property as their Southeast field office, and visitors can see the house and grounds through scheduled tours. The location sits on a steep riverside bluff, so comfortable walking shoes are advisable for exploring the site.
The name Veraestau combines Latin words for spring, summer, and autumn, deliberately leaving out winter from the property's eternal seasonal cycle. This wordplay reflects a desire to capture the beauty of the warmer months at the riverside location.
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