John C. Flanagan House Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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"Judge" Flanagan Residence
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 Location in Peoria County, Illinois
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| Location | 942 NE. Glen Oak Ave., Peoria, Illinois |
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| Area | < 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1837 |
| Architectural style | Post-Colonial, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000670 |
| Added to NRHP | September 5, 1975 |
The Judge John C. Flanagan House is a really old and important house in Peoria, Illinois, United States. It was added to a special list of historic places in 1975. Today, it's a museum run by the Peoria Historical Society. You can visit it to learn about the past!
Contents
Building a Historic Home
This amazing house was built in 1837 for John C. Flanagan. He was originally from Philadelphia. The land for the house was either bought by his father or by John himself when he moved to Peoria in 1831.
Design and Materials
The house was built in a style called Post-Colonial or American Federal style. It also has some Italianate design ideas. The builders used local wood from walnut trees. They also used bricks made right there in Peoria. Even the stone, called Kickapoo Valley limestone, came from nearby.
Some materials were brought from other places. Lumber, lime, and glass came all the way from Chicago. Fancy iron decorations were shipped from France in 1852!
The Oldest House in Peoria
The Flanagan House is the oldest home still standing in Peoria. Back in 1834, Peoria was a much smaller town. It only had seven wooden houses and about 30 log cabins. This brick mansion sits high up on the East Bluff. It looks out over the Illinois River. People in town used to call it the "Mansion on the Hill."
The Peoria Historical Society took over the property in 1962. They help keep it safe and open for visitors.
A Special Legacy
Many people believe that Abraham Lincoln once visited this house. He might have been a guest here between 1854 and 1860. This was during the time of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates.
National Recognition
The house became a very important landmark on September 5, 1975. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. In November 2022, it was also named a City of Peoria Local Historic Landmark.
The Flanagan House Museum
Today, the house is a museum called the John C. Flanagan House Museum. It's like stepping back in time to the 1800s. The Peoria Historical Society runs it. The house is also the main office for the Peoria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
When you visit, you can see many old things. There are antique glass items, china, furniture, and toys. You can also see old quilts, tools, and clothing from the 19th century. It's a great way to learn about life long ago!
