Henry B. Clarke House

The Henry B. Clarke House is a Greek Revival building on South Indiana Avenue featuring four tall columns supporting a gabled roof. The exterior displays white clapboard siding that resembles marble.

The house was built in 1836 by Henry Clarke, a hardware merchant, and stands as the oldest surviving building within the city limits. Its endurance over more than a century makes it a rare witness to early Chicago architecture.

The building served as a parish house for the Church of God in Christ under Bishop Louis Ford during the mid-twentieth century. This use shaped its role in the local community for many years.

The building now operates as a museum displaying period furnishings and household items from 1836 to 1860, offering a glimpse of daily life from that era. Visitors can take their time exploring the rooms and examining the original pieces throughout.

The building was relocated twice, once in a remarkable feat in which it was suspended above electrified railroad tracks for two weeks. This engineering achievement shows the city's determination to preserve this historic structure.

Location: Illinois

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.85710,-87.62190

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:43