Harlan–Lincoln House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Harlan–Lincoln House
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 101 W. Broad St. Mount Pleasant, Iowa |
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| Built | 1854 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000726 |
| Added to NRHP | May 25, 1973 |
The Harlan–Lincoln House is a special historic building located on the Iowa Wesleyan College campus in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, United States. Today, it's a museum filled with interesting items from the families of Senator James Harlan and President Abraham Lincoln. These two important families are closely connected to the house's history.
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Exploring the Harlan–Lincoln House
The Harlan–Lincoln House is a historic landmark that tells the story of two famous American families. It's a great place to learn about life in the 1800s and the people who shaped American history.
The House's Early Days
The Harlan–Lincoln House was built in 1854 for James Harlan. He was a very important person in Iowa. Harlan served as the president of Iowa Wesleyan College (then called Mt. Pleasant Collegiate Institute) from 1853 to 1855. He returned to lead the college again from 1869 to 1870. It was during his time as president that the school's name changed to Iowa Wesleyan University.
James Harlan's Public Service
Even after leaving his role as college president, James Harlan continued to live in this house. He became a U.S. senator for Iowa, which means he was elected to represent the state in the United States government. Later, he served as the United States Secretary of the Interior, a job where he managed many important things for the country, like national parks and public lands. He held this position during the time of President Andrew Johnson.
A Family Home and Legacy
James Harlan retired and moved back into the house in 1876, living there until he passed away in 1899. After his death, the house went to his daughter, Mary Harlan Lincoln. Mary was married to Robert Todd Lincoln, who was the son of President Abraham Lincoln. This is how the house became connected to both the Harlan and Lincoln families!
The House Becomes a Museum
In 1907, Mary Harlan Lincoln generously donated the house to Iowa Wesleyan College. Over the years, the house was used for different purposes. It served as the college president's home, an administrative building, and even housed the art department. In 1973, the house was officially recognized as a historic place and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the Harlan–Lincoln House is a museum. It displays many fascinating items that belonged to both the Harlan and Lincoln families.
What You Can See at the Museum
When you visit the Harlan–Lincoln House museum, you can see some truly unique artifacts. These include:
- A mourning veil that belonged to Mary Todd Lincoln, President Lincoln's wife.
- A small piece of a collar that is believed to be from the coat President Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated.
- A desk that Senator James Harlan used for his work.
- A collection of rocks that belonged to Abraham Lincoln II, who was President Lincoln's grandson.
These items help visitors imagine what life was like for these important families and learn more about American history.
