LANIER MANSION STATE HISTORIC SITE
On the banks of the Ohio River stands a stately
mansion built for James Franklin Doughty Lanier—a man who, at one time,
saved Indiana from financial ruin.
Born in Washington, North Carolina in 1800, Lanier
came to Madison at age 17 and married Elizabeth Gardner two years later.
After legal training at Transylvania University , Kentucky, Lanier was
appointed assistant clerk for the Indiana House of Representatives in
1824. A year later he helped move the capital to Indianapolis, where he
was promoted to clerk of the House.
Lanier led the movement to form the Second State Bank
of Indiana in 1834. He became the first president of the Madison branch
and a member of the Board of Control of the State Banking System. This
made him one of the state’s leading financiers. He was also a key figure
in the state’s early railroad development. After making his personal
fortune, he began building a breathtaking Greek Revival home on the banks
of the Ohio River .
The new home was completed in 1844, but Lanier lived
there only a few years. He soon moved to New York where he founded another
financial firm on Wall Street with Richard H. Winslow. With national
expansion booming, Lanier’s talents as a financier brought him even
greater fortune.
When the Civil War began, Indiana was called upon to
supply six regiments for the Union effort. When Indiana governor Oliver p
. Morton appealed to Lanier for help, Lanier loaned almost a half- million
dollars to supply Indiana soldiers. Lanier was never guaranteed repayment.
Two years later, another war emergency arose and again, Lanier proved a
savior.
Lanier died in August 1881, in New York City.
Alexander C. Lanier, his eldest son, lived in the home from 1851 to 1895.
He continued to develop the home and its gardens until his death.
The Lanier Mansion is an example of the Greek Revival
style of architecture, one of the most popular styles of the
mid-nineteenth century. The gardens have been restored to reflect the
style of the time period. Included in the restoration are historic plants
that were originally used in the gardens of the mansion or surrounding
areas.
The mansion’s portico, with its Corinthian columns,
faces the Ohio River. Other exterior details include the octagonal cupola,
oculus windows and iron railings. The interior, with its central hall and
elegant spiral staircase, epitomizes the Greek Revival style.
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday, Thursday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Closed Wednesday
Guided tours on the hour and half-hour.
Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m.
Call the site for December-March hours.
Open Good Friday, Memorial Day, ]uly 4th and Labor Day Closed
Easter
Free Admission
Lanier Mansion
State Historic Site is part of The Department of Natural Resources’
Division of State Museums and Historic Sites
511 W. First
Street.
Madison, IN 47250
(812)265-3526
http://www.state.in.us/ism.
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