Governor Duncan Home

Amidst the untamed beauty and savagery of the Illinois Prairie sprang the elegance and grace of the Duncan Mansion, the home of Gov. Joseph Duncan. Built in 1834 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is the only existing structure that served as the Governors Mansion outside of Springfield.

The Mansion is owned and operated by the Rev. James Caldwell Chapter NSDAR, and has been fully restored and houses many of the original Duncan family furnishings. Twin chimneys guard the third story porch. The bell hanging under the main floor porch was purchased by Julia Duncan Kirby in 1882 and used to call in the field hands. The walnut stairway which spans three stories, features short risers designed to accommodate Mrs. Duncan’s petite form–Mrs. Duncan was 4′ 5″ tall.