McPike Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mount Lookout
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2018 Alby Street, Alton, Illinois, United States |
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| Built | 1869 |
| Architect | Lucas Pfeiffenberger |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Second Empire |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001389 |
| Added to NRHP | June 17, 1980 |
The McPike Mansion, also known as Mount Lookout, is a large, old house in Alton, Illinois. Alton is a city in the U.S. state of Illinois, near St. Louis. Henry Guest McPike built this mansion in 1869. It sits on a 15-acre piece of land. This land is one of the highest spots in Alton, and that's why it was called Mount Lookout.
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History of McPike Mansion
Building the McPike Mansion started in 1869. The architect who designed it was Lucas Pfeiffenberger. Henry Guest McPike, who built the house, was an important person in Alton. He was the mayor of Alton for a time. He was also a successful businessman. McPike worked in real estate and made boxes. He was also very interested in growing plants. He was the librarian for a local gardening group. Henry McPike passed away in 1910.
Changes Over the Years
Years later, around 1925, a man named Paul A. Laichinger bought the mansion. He rented out rooms in the house. Mr. Laichinger lived there until he died in 1945. After his death, the house was left empty for many years. People thought about tearing it down. They wanted to build a shopping center there. However, this plan did not work out.
During the time it was empty, the house was badly damaged. People broke in and took things. They stole furniture, wooden railings, and even toilets. The mansion became a victim of neglect and damage.
Restoration Efforts
The McPike Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 17, 1980. This list helps protect important historical places. Even so, the house remained empty and damaged for a long time. In 1994, Sharyn and George Luedke bought the mansion at an auction. They hoped to turn it into a hotel.
The Luedkes were told they could get money to help restore the house. But they found out they could not get grants from the government. Despite this, they have been working hard to fix up the mansion. They get money from donations and by giving tours of the house. In 2017, they received an award for their work. This award was for restoring the front porch and a special glass room called a conservatory.
Is McPike Mansion Haunted?
Many people believe the McPike Mansion is haunted. The current owners say they have experienced strange things. They believe the ghosts of a past owner and a servant live there. Because of these stories, the mansion is a popular stop. It is often included in haunted tours of the Alton area.
Design of McPike Mansion
The McPike Mansion was finished in 1871. It is a large building made of red brick. It has white trim and white pillars that hold up the porch. The house has three stories. Inside, there are 16 rooms. It also has a cool, underground wine cellar.
The mansion is located on Alby Street. It sits on a 15-acre plot of land. This spot is one of the highest points in Alton. Henry McPike named his estate Mount Lookout because of its high location. McPike loved gardening. He created beautiful gardens around the house. These gardens had fruit trees, bushes, and rare trees. Today, only about 4.4 acres of the original estate remain.
McPike Mansion in Media
The McPike Mansion has been featured on several television shows. These shows often explore paranormal activities.
- The mansion appeared on an episode of Ghost Adventures. This episode was called "McPike Mansion" and aired in 2019. The team of investigators explored the house. They looked for signs of ghosts.
- It was also shown on the series Scariest Places on Earth.
- The mansion was featured on an episode of Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files.
- It also appeared on an episode of Ghost Lab.
See also
