Elihu Benjamin Washburne House, Greek Revival residence in Galena, Illinois.
The Elihu Benjamin Washburne House is a 1.5-story residence in Galena with four fluted Doric columns supporting a two-story porch. The building preserves its original Greek Revival design from 1844 with all architectural details intact.
The house was built in 1844 and served as home to Elihu Washburne from 1845 to 1882, who later became US Secretary of State and Minister to France. The building witnessed important diplomatic activities during his residence there.
Inside, the rooms display furniture and objects that show how prosperous households lived in the mid-1800s. The spaces give you a sense of daily life and habits of a successful Midwestern family.
Visitors can tour the first floor and two upstairs bedrooms, with the site staffed to guide you through the rooms. It is best to check ahead for current visiting hours, as these can change with the seasons.
During the Franco-Prussian War, Washburne coordinated secret communications between the opposing governments from this very house. This unusual role made the building a quiet hub of international diplomacy during one of the century's major conflicts.
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