While the original Palladian home that sits on this island in the Ohio River burned to the ground in 1811, a complete replica has been built in its place. It was previously occupied by the lawyer and politician Harman Blennerhasset, who hosted many dignitaries including Vice President Aaron Burr, on numerous occasions.
It was Burr’s frequent visits — and his decision to set up the base for his obscure military expedition there — that eventually led to him being charged with treason. The park can be accessed via sternwheeler riverboat from Point Park on 2nd Street in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Oklahoma - Pawnee Bill Ranch
Pawnee Bill was a celebrated Wild West showman and performer who even partnered with his pal Buffalo Bill for a short term. His ranch was once the showplace of his popular "Wild West Show," which toured the country performing for sold-out crowds. So it only made sense that it became a well-visited location in Oklahoma.
Their dream home was completed in 1910 and is still filled with family photographs, original artwork, and more. The 500-acre grounds include the original ranch blacksmith shop, a 1903 log cabin, a large barn built in 1926, and an Indian Flower Shrine—today, it's all open to the public as a museum.
South Carolina - Burt-Stark Mansion
Seven different families have owned this two-story Greek Revival-style home since it was built in the 1830s. However, the moment that made it great was a historic two hours in 1865. Regular tours are available for those who want to experience the Old South as it was a century ago.
Hoping to continue the Confederate government's struggle, Jefferson Davis assembled the last Council of War cabinet members here, where they showed unanimous opposition to his plan and threw in the towel on the fight, essentially ending the Civil War. Furniture and artifacts from this time are on display, transporting visitors into the meeting room itself.
Delaware - Winterthur House
The Du Pont family is historically one of the wealthiest families to have ever lived in the United States. Having found their fortune in the gunpowder industry in the mid-19th century, the family soon expanded into the automobile and chemical industries. Their early family home was Winterthur. Now a museum, the estate is a whopping 1000 acres and the house holds 175 rooms. Let that sink in for a minute.
In 1951, the house was converted into a museum, and it holds nearly 90,000 objects. Primarily, it contains decorative art and furniture dating between 1640 to 1860. It is surrounded by woodlands and gardens that are impeccably maintained.
Ohio - Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Built between 1912 and 1915, the Stan Hywet house was built for F.A. Sieberling and his wife. Sieberling was the founder of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company. While "Stan Hywet" might sound eponymous, it is actually a loose translation from Old English to mean "stone quarry," an ode to what was on the estate before the house was built.
The 70-acre estate was not just a family home; the Siberlings used it as a place for entertainment and events for the residents of Akron. The couple lived there for over 40 years, and in 1955, following Sieberling's death, it was turned into a museum where tours and events are held today.