Crenshaw House, Greek Revival mansion in Gallatin County, Illinois, United States
Crenshaw House is a three-story mansion built of stone and wood in Gallatin County, Illinois, dating from the 1830s. White columns frame the entrance, while symmetrical windows and classical proportions demonstrate the Greek Revival style of the period.
William Gavin designed the residence in 1834 for John Hart Crenshaw, who ran salt works near Equality. Crenshaw exploited forced labor from enslaved people to expand his wealth before facing kidnapping charges.
The third floor held cells where kidnapped African Americans were imprisoned, showing the contradictions of slavery in a northern state. This architecture reveals how forced labor persisted even in regions that formally opposed it.
The state government of Illinois acquired the property in 2000, but access is currently not possible as extensive restoration work remains pending. Visitors should check the current status before planning a trip.
Abraham Lincoln visited the residence in September 1840 while serving as a state representative and attended a ball held on the grounds. This connection to one of America's most recognized figures adds another layer to the site's significance.
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