Tourist Office
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Joliet - Illinois

Jacob Henry Mansion

The Jacob Henry Mansion is one of the most famous landmarks in Joliet. A local railroad mogul, Jacob A. Henry, decided to build a mansion on Eastern Avenue. This area was also known as "Silk Stocking Row" at the time being a slightly more affluent area. To achieve his ends he hired a master craftsman from Germany accompanied by three other cabinetmakers. They helped to design the ornately carved interior. The limestone that was used for the foundation and basement came from Henry's own quarry. The outside facade is red Illinois sandstone and a deep red brick that was specially fired in Ohio. Each one of the porches comes from a single slab of limestone and the biggest slab ever quarried in Joliet was used under the entrance gates. This slab reportedly measures 22 feet by 9 feet by 20 inches. The house itself is 16,800 square feet, is comprised of more than 40 rooms and was completed in 1876. On the inside, black oak and walnut were used for the elaborate carvings. Each piece was hand rubbed to achieve the satin finish that causes a soft glow on everything. The windows are recessed and protected by shutters that are on the inside. All of the side rooms are separated from the main floor by ornately carved pocket or sliding doors. Each room has an elaborately carved fireplace. The main attraction of the house is a staircase made of solid walnut. This staircase includes a half landing enclosed with 119 hand carved spindles of burled walnut. Upon its completion the mansion won the Architecture Award at the American Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia in 1876. Many believe it to be the leading example of Renaissance Revival architecture that is still standing in Illinois. Now the building is used for special events including weddings, murder mystery dinners, and business conferences. The Jacob Henry Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.