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Abilene, Kansas

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this twenty-three room Victorian mansion was built in 1880 by Conrad H. Lebold. The limestone was quarried from nearby Russell County. Conrad Lebold was a local banker, realtor, politician, and Mayor of Abilene for 2 terms. Lebold chose the site of Abilene's first log cabin to build his 23 room home. The Mansion was completed at a cost of $18,000.00.

Lebold's financial empire suffered during the depression of the 1880's and in 1889 he was forced to turn the house over to creditors. George Sterl bought the mansion at a sheriff's sale for $4,400 and occupied it until 1918.

Hard times soon befell the stately structure, and for the next 53 years it was used as a home for telephone operator girls in the 1920's, an orphanage for children, and an apartment building.

In 1972 a young couple began restoring it to a private home. They were the 49th owner of the mansion. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. A retired couple acquired the mansion in 1976 and did extensive restoration with the focus on the exterior and surrounding grounds. They opened the home to the public for touring in 1976.

In 2000, the third generation of caretakers began the next phase of the restoration of the mansion. They had moved here from California. As specialists in Victorian restoration they returned the interior back to an 1880's décor. The mansion was home to one of the finest collections of American Victorian furnishings in the state, until 2009 when they decided to sell the home and all the furnishings. A couple from California purchased the home and is now using it as a private residence.

It is no longer open to the public for tours.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

C.W. Parker Carousel

This antique carousel is a National Landmark and was built in Abilene by C.W. Parker c. 1901. The carousel is a track-operated machine consisting of 24 hand-carved horses and 4 chariots on a 50

Abilene, KS Landmarks

Russell Stover Factory Outlet

10,000-square-foot factory outlet store, has a video that plays all the time, to show you how the candy is made.

Abilene, KS Factory Outlets

Great Plains Theatre

"Kansas' premier professional theatre company", is housed in the Great Plains Theatre, a 100

Abilene, KS Theatres

The Heritage Center Museums

The Museum depicts life on the plains during the American pioneer movement & westward expansion periods. Exhibits include Indians, pioneers, railroad, agriculture, Victorian and cowtown eras.

Abilene, KS Museums

Seelye Mansion and Museum

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the twenty-five room Georgian mansion was built in 1905 by A.B. Seelye, a patent medicine entrepreneur. Museum depicts turn-of-the-century medicine business.

Winner of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture!!

Abilene, KS Famous Homes

Things to do near Abilene, KS