In 1882, the Kansas City Times called the Vaile Mansion “the most princely house and the most comfortable home in the entire west.” And that still holds true to this day. Not much has changed in the mansion, and it is well-known as one of the best examples of Second Empire architecture in the country.
The mansion also houses the Vaile Victorian Society which takes it upon themselves to upkeep the mansion to the necessary Victorian decor standards. Also in Missouri: The Harry S. Truman House was the home to the 33rd president of the United States, from the time of his marriage to the time of his death.
Wisconsin - The Pabst Mansion
Located in Milwaukee, the famous beer connoisseur built this home for himself and his family in 1890. After plans were set in place to take it down and build a parking lot in its place, in 1975, the public quickly protested. Fortunately, the home survived, and it is still there to this day, re-purposed as a house museum.
Aside from regular tours offered, Pabst mansion also has a robust gift shop - which isn't something you see in too many historic houses. Also in Wisconsin: The Black Point Estate was the summer home of Conrad Seipp. It is one of America’s finest examples of Queen Anne architecture.
Vermont - Hildene
Only one of Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s four sons survived long enough to reach adulthood, and that was Robert Todd Lincoln. He built this beautiful Greek-revival home on a hilltop in Manchester. Until 1975, descendants of the Lincoln family continuously resided in this home. It was stipulated in the family will that once Hildene was no longer a private residence that it should be converted into an honorary site to the family.
Today, tours and lectures are run year-round teaching visitors about the Lincoln family and agriculture. Also in Vermont: Built in 1787, The Ethan Allen Homestead is the charming home that Vermont’s founder lived in.
Montana - Moss Mansion
The same architect that is responsible for building the famous Plaza Hotel in New York City is also responsible for the Moss Mansion. The architect built this stone mansion in 1903 for a wealthy businessman named Preston Boyd Moss, hence the name of the mansion. Also, the mansion has been featured in a handful of noteworthy films, such as "Son of the Morning Star" and "Return to Lonesome Dove."
The red-stone house garners regular visitors to be transported back in time to this relic of the past. Also in Montana: Charles Marion Russell’s studio is located in Great Falls, the same place where Russell created many of his famous paintings.
Indiana - Grouseland
In 1804, Grouseland was the home designed and constructed for William Henry Harrison, the governor of Indiana who went on to become the ninth president of the United States. The exterior design was made from brick, making it the first brick building in Indiana. The structure was inspired by Berkeley Plantation, which was the Harrison family’s home in Virginia at that time.
The Harrison family lived there for many years and eventually, the house became a museum for the public. Also in Indiana: The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Century of Progress Homes are a collection of homes constructed to fit modern architecture. They were built for the Chicago World Fair in 1933.