Jarrot Mansion
category : Historic Homes
Formerly the home of Nicholas Jarrot, a French-born entrepreneur and land speculator. Construction began in 1807, making it one of the earliest surviving masonry buildings in Illinois.
The Jarrot Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places/B>, was built by masons who were not used to working with bricks, and so its windows are slightly askew and the facade of the house is asymmetrical. The house and its facade have an appealing quirkyness, and appear to be more vernacular than the owner may have wished. The house was sturdily built, however, and survived the major earthquakes of 1811-1812 epicentered at New Madrid, Missouri.
The mansion complex includes a spring house built of cut limestone. Spring houses like that of the Jarrot Mansion contained tubs of cool water in which foodstuffs were protected from spoilage for short periods of time.
Hours: Open by appointment or for periodic seasonal open-house festivals.
Address:
124 East First Street
Phone: 618-332-1782
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