Spanning 24,000 square feet, this wonder of a house is unparalleled. It was built for Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, heiress of the renowned Winchester Repeating Arms fortune. Curiously, she kept building and expanding for decades, starting in 1886, and stopping only at her death in 1922.
The mystery comes in many ways; why did Sarah remove herself almost entirely from the outside world to focus on this insane building project? What prompted the continuous expansion, and what purpose did it ultimately serve? Today, events of all types are held on the estate, and it draws special attention for its supposedly haunted interior.
West Virginia - Blennerhassett Mansion
While the original Palladian home that sits on this island in the Ohio River burned to the ground in 1811, a complete replica has been built in its place. It was previously occupied by the lawyer and politician Harman Blennerhasset, who hosted many dignitaries including Vice President Aaron Burr, on numerous occasions.
It was Burr's frequent visits — and his decision to set up the base for his obscure military expedition there — that eventually led to him being charged with treason. The park can be accessed via sternwheeler riverboat from Point Park on 2nd Street in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
South Carolina - Burt-Stark Mansion
Seven different families have owned this two-story Greek Revival-style home since it was built in the 1830s. However, the moment that made it great was a historic two hours in 1865. Regular tours are available for those who want to experience the Old South as it was a century ago.
Hoping to continue the Confederate government's struggle, Jefferson Davis assembled the last Council of War cabinet members here, where they showed unanimous opposition to his plan and threw in the towel on the fight, essentially ending the Civil War. Furniture and artifacts from this time are on display, transporting visitors into the meeting room itself.
Oklahoma - Pawnee Bill Ranch
Pawnee Bill was a celebrated Wild West showman and performer who even partnered with his pal Buffalo Bill for a short term. His ranch was once the showplace of his popular "Wild West Show," which toured the country performing for sold-out crowds. So it only made sense that it became a well-visited location in Oklahoma.
Their dream home was completed in 1910 and is still filled with family photographs, original artwork, and more. The 500-acre grounds include the original ranch blacksmith shop, a 1903 log cabin, a large barn built in 1926, and an Indian Flower Shrine—today, it's all open to the public as a museum.
Ohio - Westcott House
The only Prairie Style home created by Frank Lloyd Wright in Ohio sits here in Springfield and it's still basking in Wright’s brilliance. This exceptional home was built for the successful entrepreneur Burton J. Westcott, his wife Orpha, and their family. The house was designed in 1906 and built in 1908, undergoing extensive alterations to the interior in the early 1940s.
The Westcott family endured a great deal of tragedy while living there, and it eventually fell into disrepair. Still, it has since been completely rehabilitated and is now a museum managed by a non-profit organization. Both in-person and virtual programming is offered by the museum, and the gift shop offers visitors unique and creative mementos.
North Dakota - Chateau de Mores
The 26-room "chateau," which sits on a picturesque 128 acres, was the summer home for the French aristocrat and entrepreneur Marquis de Mores for several years in the 1800s. Located southwest of Medora, this site continues to memorialize his life and activities.
Among his works were a beef packing plant, a freighting company, a stagecoach line, refrigerated railway cars, cattle, sheep raising, land ownership, and a new town that he named Medora in honor of his wife. The museum today offers exhibits ranging from historical films to artifacts of previous presidents, with constant information on de Mores and his life's work.
New York - Gracie Mansion
Built in 1799 by Archibald Gracie, the two-story Federal-style home overlooking the East River in Manhattan's Yorkville neighborhood has been home to most New York City mayors since being designated as the official residence of the office in 1942. What started out as a country house overlooking the river has become a central and historic site in New York.
The property itself is actually quite historic, too: George Washington commandeered a since-destroyed building on it during the Revolutionary War to provide a strategic lookout. The building is open to tours and offers constant exhibitions of decorative and student art for the public to enjoy.
New Mexico - Billy The Kid's Hideout
This outwardly modest abode conceals a crazy part of history. The 4,000-square-foot home provided a safe hideout for the bandit fugitive while he was avoiding arrest. Billy The Kid needed numerous hideouts throughout his life on the run, and they ranged from building like this one, to caves.
It's difficult to believe that the legendary gunslinger reportedly used to store his weapons under the floorboards since the whole place currently looks cozily decorated and totally charming. Apparently, the outlaw hid in a flour barrel in the kitchen and later under a bed when soldiers from nearby Fort Stanton came knocking.
New Jersey - Albert Einstein's House
This unassuming cottage was home to the wacky-haired theoretical physicist from 1936 until he passed away in 1955. Albert Einstein specifically requested that it not be transformed into a museum. The house is a modest two-story, "L" shaped frame building with a gabled roof over the front. Not too shabby, at all.
His home has since been home to several fellow notable intellectuals teaching at the nearby university, including Frank Wilczek and economist Eric Maskin's theoretical physicist. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in January 1976. Though the home is a private residence, people can view the house from the street.
Washington - Edith Macefield's House
Simply known as the "Up house," this tiny house in the heart of the Ballard district was owned by a woman who made headlines back in 2006 for being a true maverick and refusing a $1 million offer to sell her home to make way for commercial development. The house was not the inspiration for the hit movie "Up," though it was certainly employed as a strong marketing tool when the film was released.
In the process, she became something of a folk hero. Edith has since passed away, but the house remains untouched to this day. The balloons are often replaced, you'll be pleased to know.
Montana - C.M. Russell Log Cabin
This traditional log cabin operated as the home and studio for Charles Marion Russell, America's most beloved "cowboy artist," who created thousands of oil paintings depicting life and sceneries in the Wild West. Russell's log studio was built alongside his home in 1903. Nancy, Russell's wife, was paramount in helping Russell achieve the celebrity status he achieved later in life.
Built with western red cedar telephone poles, the studio is filled with authentic cowboy gear and Native American artifacts that Russell collected and used when he painted and sculpted. Today, it sits on a compound along with a museum dedicated to his work.
Missouri - Jesse James Home
Today, you can tour the house Jesse James lived in with his wife and where his luck finally ran out. The unassuming house is located in St. Joseph, Missouri, north of Kansas City. While formerly located about two blocks away at 1318 Lafayette Street, the James Home was moved to the Patee House Museum grounds in 1977.
Inside, you can discover portraits of Jesse James in life and in death, relics of his criminal career, and even the bullet hole can be seen clearly in the wall, which you can inspect at the museum that has been set up inside.
Minnesota - James J. Hill House
Built by the railroad magnate James J. Hill in 1891, the behemoth 36,000-square-foot house was considered the "showcase of St. Paul," and boasts its own art gallery, pipe organ, and gymnasium. It boasts 16 chandeliers which, we grant, is a strange metric of wealth, but it gets the point across.
The home served as the center for the Hill family's public and private lives for the next 30 years. When it was finished in 1891, the mansion was the largest and most expensive residence in Minnesota. Visitors can have guided tours of the grounds (which last an hour, speaking to the size of the estate) and even rent out various rooms for conferences, lectures, and events.
Michigan - Alden B. Dow Home & Studio
Designed and built in a small, conservative, Midwestern town amidst the Great Depression, this place challenges your idea of the built environment. Alden B. Dow was a creative visionary and conversed with Frank Lloyd Wright on a number of occasions. The result of his creative process was this house, that astounds visitors even today.
Considered the masterpiece of the prolific 20th-century architect, this unique pad seamlessly folds into the surrounding scenery of ponds and gardens, as if it arose organically from the ground. It has been recognized as one of America's best historic homes and is open to the public.
Massachusetts - Paul Revere House
The original three-story house was built around 1680, making it the oldest house in downtown Boston and this is where Paul Revere and his family were living when he embarked on that fateful nighttime ride in 1775. For those unfamiliar, Revere has become an American folk hero for alerting Boston residents that "The British are coming!"
Despite the substantial renovation process which returned the house to its conjectured appearance around 1700, most of the structure is still original to 1680. Visitors today can learn about Revere's life and business, as well as general colonial information pertaining to the Revolutionary War.
Maryland - Edgar Allan Poe House
This modest brick row house was home to the literary figure during the 1830s and is where he wrote a great deal of work. It has more or less served as a museum since 1949. Guided tours and exhibitions are on offer, including a festival celebrating Poe's work, and even a ball to conclude the festival!
In a weird twist of art imitating life, workers uncovered skeletal remains in the floorboards during renovations, calling to mind the events in "The Tell-Tale Heart." It turns out, though, they were just discarded animal bones. And if we do say so ourselves, that is definitely a relief.
Louisiana - Lalaurie Mansion
This three-story mansion was home to NoLa socialite-serial killer Delphine LeLaurie - depicted by Kathy Bates in the third season of "American Horror Story." While the site is a common stop on ghost tours, many people have criticized the media's glorification of the gross misconduct that occurred in the building.
The house was badly damaged in an 1834 fire intentionally set by her cook but has since been rehabbed and served as everything from a furniture store to a public high school. In 2007, Hollywood star Nicolas Cage bought it, but he lost it in foreclosure just two years later.
Kansas - John Brown Cabin & Museum
The Adairs' cabin was a typical rough, frontier log shelter, with a fireplace used for warmth and cooking. The Kansas Historical Society operates the site, including the log cabin of Reverend Samuel Adair and his wife, Florella, the half-sister of the abolitionist John Brown.
While his half-sister owned the cabin, John Brown called this Kansas cabin home for 20 months while he was in the region conducting some of his most important anti-slavery actions leading up to his infamous raid on Harper's Ferry. Visitors today can see historical mementos of Brown's life, including his desk, and weapons that he intended to provide to slaves.
Vermont - Naulakha
Author Rudyard Kipling had this classy two-story shingle-style house (named for a pavilion he saw on a trip to Pakistan) built in 1893, and lived there while he wrote several of his best-known works including "The Jungle Books." Though Kipling didn't spend many years in the house, they were undoubtedly fruitful years.
Certainly, the seclusion and positioning of the house made it possible for Kipling to focus and dedicate himself to his work. Set on a hillside with killer views, today it's available to rent. Visitors can pay a modest amount to stay in this historical house and separate themselves from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Indiana - John E. Christian House
Another gem of Frankl Lloyd Wright, this home is sometimes ascribed to as the John E. Christian House and was built for a couple who were employed at Purdue University; they weren't as well-to-do as many of his other clients but worked out a special payment plan to get their dream home built.
It's filled with exceptionally colorful decor and remains a shining example of Wright's Usonian style. The plans were all overseen by Wright's wife, Olgivanna. Visitors today are able to tour the grounds and bask in the natural glory of the house. Tours are readily available, and the house's story is shared with the public.
Washington, D.C. - The White House
The American president's house was actually designed by an Irish architect and looks a whole lot like several of his other buildings. Construction of the White House began in 1792 during the Washington Administration. However, the building was only completed in 1800. So, while Washington oversaw the construction, he never actually lived there. The first president to live there was John Adams and his wife, Abigail.
Curious about what other weird stuff you don't know about the White House? Each week the White House receives up to 30,000 visitors and 65,000 letters, plus nearly 3,500 phone calls, 100,000 emails, and 1,000 faxes, presumably sent from a time when people still used them.
Hawaii - Liljestrand House
Found in Honolulu, this intricate project is also the best-known work that architect Vladimir Ossipoff has done; Liljestrand is a striking example of the Modern Hawaiian style. The house has an environmentally-friendly design, setting it apart yet again from any of its neighbors.
It was commissioned by a couple who found the idyllic plot — a steeply sloped patch overlooking nearby Oahu — during one of their walks. Ossipoff, the architect, was raised in Japan, and his unique style is strongly influenced by his upbringing. The Liljestrand couple was very involved in every step of the design and construction. If you want to see it up close, it's open for tours.
Georgia - Swan House
This regal and incredibly striking mansion sits nestled on 28 acres and was home to the heirs of a cotton brokerage fortune. It looks almost like an estate out of the French countryside. It was built between 1924 and 1928, though the owner only lived in the house for three years before his sudden passing.
In addition to being one of the most recognized and photographed houses in Atlanta, Georgia, it has been used in several film and TV projects, including "The Hunger Games" and "The Amazing Race." The state boasts gorgeous gardens that transport visitors into a woodland fantasy.
Utah- The Lion House
This large but otherwise unexceptional house in Salt Lake City was built by Brigham Young (the second president of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints) to accommodate his polygamist brood, which by final tally included a whopping 56 biological children and 55 wives.
A truly elegant mansion, the Lion House is decorated with countless antique pieces from a bygone era. Built in 1856, the home derives its name from the stone statue of the reclining lion over the front entrance. The house is open to visitors who are curious about an inside look into the denomination and its leader.
Connecticut - The Glass House
The legendary architect Philip Johnson designed this iconic glass-walled home for himself back in 1949. It became a hugely significant step in the evolution of both minimal and modern architecture.
Rather than create actual walls, Johnson's vision was to have the surrounding landscape serve as natural wallpaper, now that's ingenious! The house is clearly out of the ordinary, and you wouldn't find many people comfortable with living like this. Still, plenty of people are curious from the outsider's perspective. If you want to get an idea of what it would be like to live your life out in the open like that, it's open to the public for tours.
Colorado - Sleeper House
Nestled in Genesee Mountain and built in 1963 by architect Charles Deaton, this one-of-a-kind elliptical spread is probably best known for its starring role in Woody Allen's film "Sleeper." The house is officially called The Sculpted House (you can figure out why) and has changed hands a number of times over the years. It remains a private residence today, so, unfortunately, visitors are out of luck here.
Despite the unbelievably unencumbered views, it sat largely unfinished and vacant for the better part of three decades until being purchased and revamped in 1999. The reason being that Deaton, the architect, ran out of funds before he could finish the project, and he never even got his chance to live in the monumental construction.
Texas - Southfork Ranch
The Southfork ranch stood in for the Ewing's mansion for the show "Dallas" during both its original run and its more recent reboot. It was still owned by a private family when filming began, but they had to give it up once tourists began flocking.
Currently, the ranch is a conference and event center that hosts weddings and parties and even has its own on-set museum dedicated to the show that made it famous. The ranch prides itself on accommodating any group of people for whatever event they need - whether it's 10 or 1000. Visitors can even go horseback riding and feel like they are in the show themselves.
Arkansas - President Clinton's Birthplace
This house is the birthplace home of President William Jefferson Clinton; it's now a national historic site located in Hope, Arkansas. Visitors can join daily guided tours to learn about the former president's early life. Clinton is open that his experiences in this home undoubtedly shaped him into the man he became.
The humble two-story home is where Bill spent the first four years of his life, being cared for by his grandparents while his mother worked as an anesthetist in New Orleans. There is also a visitor's center for more information. The site also offers events and lectures from time to time.
Arizona - Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's former winter home is now the School of Architecture's main campus that bears his name. Over his time on the 620-acre property, which he bought for a keen price in 1937 at $3.50 an acre, he continuously modified and added to the complex, enlisting his students to construct all of the new buildings. The result is a unique piece of architecture that gathers visitors each year.
Frank Lloyd Wright first became distinguished for his Prairie Style of architecture, incorporating low-pitched rooftops, overhanging eaves, a central chimney, and open floor plans which, he believed was the antidote to the confined, closed-in architecture at that time.
Oklahoma - Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch
This 1875 Oologah home was the birthplace of famous showman, Will Rogers. Once dubbed “The White House on the Verdigris,” this home is very rare, as it is one of the only surviving examples of early frontier architecture in this very beautiful region of Oklahoma.
Entrance to the museum is free, and visitors are able to learn about the life of one of America's greatest performers, as well as his heritage. The ranch features a classroom for tour groups and video programming. Also in Oklahoma: The Prairie Chicken House is a privately-owned residence that became famous for its one-of-a-kind architecture.
New Mexico - Georgia O'Keeffe Home
Famous painter Georgia O’Keeffe spent a lot of time living at her Adobe home and studio in Abiquiu. Her paintings were inspired by her home and her simple way of living. After she moved to Santa Fe, this house was transferred under the management of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Various tours, guided and unguided, are available that cover art exhibitions and Georgia's life and work. There is even a gift shop that visitors can shop at and take a memento home. Also in New Mexico: Taos Pueblo is a collection of multi-level adobe buildings. They have been continuously inhabited for the last 1,000 years or so.
North Carolina - The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is the largest private residence to ever be built in the United States. The 250-room house was home to George Vanderbilt. It is equipped with 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, a bowling alley, a 10,000-volume library, and 65 fireplaces. The home is so big that it has four whole acres of floor space.
Visitors can stay at the iconic location, as well as indulge in fine dining, activities, and even walk around the village on the estate. Also in North Carolina: Körner’s Folly is formerly the home to designer Jule Gilmer Körner. While it may not be North Carolina’s most famous house, it is definitely the most eccentric.
Hawaii - Shangri La
Doris Duke and her husband were travel fiends, and after traveling the world, they made their final stop in Hawaii, where they fell in love with the beautiful culture and scenery. In fact, they loved it so much that they bought a plot of land on the Honolulu waterfront, and they had a custom home built decorated with Islamic art.
Now, the house has transformed into a museum showcasing Middle Eastern art that she collected throughout her lifetime. Also in Hawaii: Liljestrand House is a house located in Honolulu that is privately owned by a doctor and a nurse. The house is seen as one of the finest and most prestigious pieces of modern architecture.
Iowa - American Gothic House
Though it may look like any ordinary run-down home, this American Gothic House is a must-see tourist attraction in the state of Iowa. This is due to it being the inspiration behind Grant Wood’s famously known painting, American Gothic. The American Gothic House Center has different props, like pitchforks, for tourists to take photos with standing in front of the historic house.
The house offers a gift shop and an exhibit gallery for visitors. Do you know what's also in Iowa? The Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead is a farmhouse that was built in 1847, where Buffalo Bill spent his childhood.
South Dakota - Laura Ingalls Wilder's House
This house is dubbed as “The Little House on the Prairie,” and rightfully so. The home is where Laura Ingalls Wilder spent her years reminiscing about childhood memories that inspired her most famous works. She was never materialistic, as she believed any home larger than this one would be deemed unnecessary for her lifestyle.
Tours today offer an inside look into Wilder's life, as well as offer plenty of events for the whole family to enjoy. Also in South Dakota: The Victorian Pettigrew Home is the residence of Senator Richard Franklin Pettigrew. He aided in the founding of many communities around Sioux Falls.
Nevada - Mackay Mansion
The Mackay Mansion definitely has a haunted reputation behind it. In fact, Johnny Depp claimed to have seen the apparition of a little girl dressed in all white during the filming of 1995’s "Dead Man." There are years of evidence that point to this house being haunted, and it was named one of Virginia City’s most haunted places.
If you are brave enough to see this for yourself, the house is available for tours. Also in Nevada: The Sears-Ferris House is located in Carson City, and it is the boyhood home of George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. (aka the inventor of the Ferris wheel).
Virginia - Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is undoubtedly one of America’s most famous and historic homes. George and Martha Washington took on this home after George’s father lived in it. The exterior stone appearance was actually wood carved to look like stone - an attempt to make it appear more expensive than it actually was. The small farmhouse expanded and renovated over the years into what it is today.
Today the museum features tours, an education center, a museum, and fine dining. Also in Virginia: Thomas Jefferson’s plantation house, located in Monticello, is another president’s residence that is a popular tourist attraction in the historic state of Virginia.
West Virginia - Pearl S. Buck Birthplace
The Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, known for writing the novel "The Good Earth," was born here in Hillsboro, West Virginia. She lived in this home when her parents left to do missionary work in China. Pearl was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, and guided tours of the house elucidate on her writings and what went into her creative process.
Pearl was also a social justice champion and visitors are taught all about the struggle Pearl faced to make her voice heard. Also in West Virginia: The “Pumpkin House,” located in Kenova, is one of the state’s most popular Halloween attractions, as many residents come to celebrate the holiday here.
Wyoming - Trail End
John Benjamin Kendrick built this Revival-style mansion for him and his family in Sheridan, Wyoming. Even though he did not get to complete it as he wished, the home is still beautifully built, and a fine piece of architecture. The interior of the home has been preserved, changing little over the years.
The house now offers group tours as well as school tours and trips. Fun events like Murder Mystery nights are held at the mansion, along with weddings and photo shoots. Also in Wyoming: Located in Kemmerer, Wyoming is the first J.C. Penney store, and nearby is the birthplace of James Cash Penney.
Nebraska - Buffalo Bill's Home
On July 4th, 1882, Col. Wm. F. Cody (a.k.a. Buffalo Bill) debuted his famous "Wild West Show" in North Platte. Years later, he used the earnings from the show to construct this beautiful Victorian home on 4,000 acres of land. Currently, the home is part of a 16-acre historical park, and you can take a tour of the home by appointment.
The house was famously featured in "Silence of the Lambs." Real fans can also book a stay in the famous house. Also in Nebraska: The Harvey P. Sutton House is a private residence in the city of McCook, and it was actually Frank Lloyd Wright’s only Nebraska commission home.
North Dakota - Maltese Cross Cabin
Theodore Roosevelt once said that he would not have been President had it not been for his experience in North Dakota. For some years in the 1880s, President Roosevelt spent his time split between New York and this one-and-a-half-story cabin. At this cabin, he would partake in wilderness activities which built the strong belief in conservation that he brought into his presidency.
The cabin is part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and park visitors will be sure to see the cabin along the famous nature trail. Also in North Dakota: Bagg Farm is North Dakota’s only rebuilt bonanza farm.
Kentucky - Ashland
Henry Clay famously said, “I am in one respect better off than Moses. He died in sight of, without reaching, the Promised Land. I occupy as good a farm as any that he would have found if he had reached it.” Clay lived in this Lexington home for over 40 long years. The home is now a house museum that can be toured, or you can visit the grounds around the home.
The museum features exhibits on Clay's life as well as events. Visitors can also tour the ground and learn about the politician's life and career. Also in Kentucky: Also in Lexington is the remarkable first lady Mary Todd Lincoln’s childhood home.
Louisiana - Oak Alley Plantation
The Oak Alley Plantation is where a quarter mile of land is home to 300-year-old stunning live oak trees. If it looks a little familiar, that's because you might recognize it from one of the scenes in "Interview with the Vampire," or numerous other Hollywood films.
The plantation conducts a wealth of research and holds a slavery database, providing as much information and credit to those who were responsible for making the plantation into what it is today. Also in Louisiana: Located in Louisiana is the Steel Magnolia House, which is famous for being the filming site for the 1989 film "Steel Magnolias."
New Hampshire - The Robert Frost Farm
Robert Frost’s famous poems are said to capitalize on life in New England during his era. Many of Frost’s poems are actually attributed to the memories made between the years of 1900 and 1911, when he lived on a Derry farm. Despite the large estate, the house itself was relatively modest.
Today, visitors to the historic site can take self-guided tours of the estate, as well as attend a plethora of talks, poetry evenings, and lectures. Also in New Hampshire: Portsmouth’s Richard Jackson House is the oldest surviving wood-frame house in the state of New Hampshire. This really is a must-visit for all poetry fans.
Illinois - Frank Lloyd Wright Home
Even though there are Wright homes scattered throughout the country, Illinois, specifically Oak Park, holds the most extensive collection of them. The Frank Lloyd Wright home is one of the staple pieces of architecture in the state of Illinois. In fact, prairie-style architecture and landscape were first invented in this home.
Visitors to the museum today can see Wright's archives and private collections, and learn about his work and life. Also in Illinois: The McCallister home, more commonly known as the house from Home Alone, is located within the Chicago suburbs, and it was sold for $1.5 million back in 2012.
New Jersey - Drumthwacket
Drumthwacket is the tongue-twister name of this gorgeous mansion owned by the New Jersey governor. The name might sound silly, but it is actually derived from the Scots-Gaelic term for “wooded hill.” Located in Princeton, this home was built specifically for the governor at that time (1834), Charles S. Olden.
The manor holds regular tours as well as school trips where it primarily teaches visitors about sustainability. Also in New Jersey: 112 Mercer Street in Princeton is the address where Albert Einstein lived for 20 years. However, you can not tour there since it is a private residence these days.
Indiana - Grouseland
In 1804, Grouseland was the home designed and constructed for William Henry Harrison, the governor of Indiana who went on to become the ninth president of the United States. The exterior design was made from brick, making it the first brick building in Indiana. The structure was inspired by Berkeley Plantation, which was the Harrison family’s home in Virginia at that time.
The Harrison family lived there for many years and eventually, the house became a museum for the public. Also in Indiana: The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Century of Progress Homes are a collection of homes constructed to fit modern architecture. They were built for the Chicago World Fair in 1933.
Montana - Moss Mansion
The same architect that is responsible for building the famous Plaza Hotel in New York City is also responsible for the Moss Mansion. The architect built this stone mansion in 1903 for a wealthy businessman named Preston Boyd Moss, hence the name of the mansion. Also, the mansion has been featured in a handful of noteworthy films, such as "Son of the Morning Star" and "Return to Lonesome Dove."
The red-stone house garners regular visitors to be transported back in time to this relic of the past. Also in Montana: Charles Marion Russell’s studio is located in Great Falls, the same place where Russell created many of his famous paintings.
Missouri - Vaile Mansion
In 1882, the Kansas City Times called the Vaile Mansion “the most princely house and the most comfortable home in the entire west.” And that still holds true to this day. Not much has changed in the mansion, and it is well-known as one of the best examples of Second Empire architecture in the country.
The mansion also houses the Vaile Victorian Society which takes it upon themselves to upkeep the mansion to the necessary Victorian decor standards. Also in Missouri: The Harry S. Truman House was the home to the 33rd president of the United States, from the time of his marriage to the time of his death.
Vermont - Hildene
Only one of Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s four sons survived long enough to reach adulthood, and that was Robert Todd Lincoln. He built this beautiful Greek-revival home on a hilltop in Manchester. Until 1975, descendants of the Lincoln family continuously resided in this home. It was stipulated in the family will that once Hildene was no longer a private residence that it should be converted into an honorary site to the family.
Today, tours and lectures are run year-round teaching visitors about the Lincoln family and agriculture. Also in Vermont: Built in 1787, The Ethan Allen Homestead is the charming home that Vermont’s founder lived in.
Wisconsin - The Pabst Mansion
Located in Milwaukee, the famous beer connoisseur built this home for himself and his family in 1890. After plans were set in place to take it down and build a parking lot in its place, in 1975, the public quickly protested. Fortunately, the home survived, and it is still there to this day, re-purposed as a house museum.
Aside from regular tours offered, Pabst mansion also has a robust gift shop - which isn't something you see in too many historic houses. Also in Wisconsin: The Black Point Estate was the summer home of Conrad Seipp. It is one of America’s finest examples of Queen Anne architecture.
Arkansas - Johnny Cash’s Boyhood Home
Johnny Cash came from very humble roots, to say the least. His home as a child was part of the Dyess Colony which provided shelter and compensation for 500 families in poverty. In recent renovations, the house has been refurbished to look like a typical home in the 1930s. Subsequently, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Fans come in droves to see this modest dwelling place. Small tours are available to get a glimpse into Cash's early life. Also in Arkansas: Arkansas native E. Fay Jones was an architect who built historic and exquisite homes in Heber Springs.
Pennsylvania - Fallingwater
This beautiful home was made possible by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He described his style of architecture as “organic,” which has been made very apparent in the design of Fallingwater. He designed this home as a weekend retreat for the wealthy Kaufmann family. The waterfall is one of the most notable features of the home, giving it its renowned reputation.
The house is a prime example of modern architecture and has gathered visitors from around the globe. Also in Pennsylvania: The Cairnwood Estate is the first large-scale country house commission of Thomas Hastings. From this piece, Hastings went on to become one of the most well-known architects of the Gilded Age.
Idaho - Pocatello’s Standrod Mansion
There are few homes in Idaho that are built in the Chateauesque style, and Pocatello’s Standrod Mansion is one of those homes. Unlike other houses around it, the mansion was built primarily from sandstone, giving it a castle-like appearance. Idaho locals say that the ghosts of the original homeowners still reside within the vicinity.
Whether that's true or not is yet to be determined. In the meantime, the mansion has provided the scenery for many a social event over the years. Also in Idaho: The McConnell Mansion, a landmark home built by a former governor, is the only house in the state that is built in the Eastlake style.
Tennessee - Graceland
Graceland is a former cattle farm that became the iconic estate of Elvis Presley after he purchased it in 1957. Even though Elvis’ decorating taste might have been a little questionable, there is still a certain charm about the interior of the home that showcases the musical sensation’s personality. Currently, over 600,000 visitors go visit Graceland each year.
Visitors can see how the King and his family lived and tour the grounds for the full experience. Also in Tennessee: The Hermitage is Andrew Jackson’s Greek Revival mansion and farm. The tourist attraction is a must see for American history buffs.
Rhode Island - The Breakers
Completed in 1895, The Breakers is the lavish summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. It is one of many gorgeous mansions to be seen along Newport’s Gold Coast, but this Italian Renaissance style of architecture is arguably one of the best. In its day it stunned everyone who saw it, and had 70 rooms throughout the mansion. It even had electricity throughout the whole house - at a time when electricity was relatively novel.
Today, there are plenty of guided tours and lectures that allow visitors to be transported back in time. Also in Rhode Island: Nearby The Breakers is the Isaac Bell House. It is one of the country’s best-surviving examples of shingle-style architecture.
Ohio - "A Christmas Story" House
This home may appear to be an ordinary house in the streets of a small Ohio town, but this home holds a lot of history in the entertainment world. As you might notice from the leg lamp illuminated in the window, this is Ralphie’s home in "A Christmas Story." Currently, the home is renovated into a house museum.
Guests are even able to book an overnight stay in the iconic rooms. If you're just going for the day, you can take home a memento from the gift shop. Also in Ohio: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is one of Ohio’s largest homes. It was built by Frank Seiberling of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
Delaware - Nemours
The DuPont family is a fundamental piece of history for the state of Delaware, and their legacy lives on in the Nemours house, located in Wilmington, Delaware. Alfred and Alicia DuPont got their home constructed by the New York firm of Carrère & Hastings, also the architects of the New York Public Library. You can currently visit the 300 acres of land that Nemour sits on.
The 77-room mansion now hosts tours, garden parties, and events all year long. Also in Delaware: The Winterthur home is Henry Francis DuPont’s childhood home, but it has now become a museum for American decorative arts.
Maryland - The Star-Spangled Flag House
Though the outside of this building might look like any other, it certainly holds much more. This building was the workplace of Mary Pickersgill, better known as the woman who sewed the American Flag. Also, the house served as a museum to commemorate the War of 1812, specifically the Battle of Baltimore.
Built in 1793, the building is now a museum dedicated to portraying and celebrating the life of Mary Pickersgill. Do you know what's also in Maryland? Sotterly is an example of a historic tidewater plantation, and it is actually the only one in Maryland that is open to the public.
New York - Oheka Castle
Huntington’s Oheka Castle is perhaps one of the best-preserved lavish estates that put Long Island on the map, to begin with. It still remains the second-largest private residence to exist in the United States. Additionally, it has made numerous appearances in famous films, such as "Citizen Kane," and it is rumored to be an inspiration for Gatsby’s mansion in "The Great Gatsby."
In the late 90s, it was converted into a hotel which it still stands as today. Weddings are popular at the estate, including those of many celebrities. Also in New York: Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 to 1919. It is also known as “The Summer White House.”
Connecticut - Mark Twain House
Originally known as The Hartford Home, Mark Twain’s adult home was built in 1874 and has now become the Mark Twain House and Museum. During his time in this home, he wrote the classic "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." This home still holds the elegant and well-crafted interior and exterior that encompasses the Gothic Revival style.
The residence today hosts weddings and tours, as well as holds events primarily centered on books. Also in Connecticut: The Glass House was built in 1948 through 1949. It was designed to be a residence for and by Philip Johnson, and now it has evolved into a house museum.
Massachusetts - The House of the Seven Gables
The House of the Seven Gables is one of America’s oldest homes still in existence today - it was built in 1668! But that is not the only thing that makes this house so special. It is also the place where Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote some of his famous novels, which were inspired by the historic setting.
This black-and-red home looks like it's straight out of a horror film. But, hey, the tourists love it. Also in Massachusetts: The Mount, located in Massachusetts, is Edith Wharton’s 1902 country home, and it is an example of the principles written in her book "The Decoration of Houses."
Michigan - The Henry Ford Estate
This was the home of Henry Ford and his wife Clara from 1915 to 1950. They wanted this house not only because of the architectural popularity it had, but also because it set them aside from the public eye. The house has a gorgeous stone exterior, and it is planted on a whopping 1,300 acres of land.
The 56-room mansion is open to the public today for tours. Also in Michigan: The self-titled Alden B. Dow Home & Studio is the home of the 20th-century architect who is well-known for being an influence in curating the modern style native to Michigan.
Arizona - Wrigley Mansion
In 1929, William Wrigley, Jr., aka the creator of the Wrigley chewing gum, started his journey to build his Spanish colonial-style mansion. It was built on a large hilltop overlooking the city of Phoenix. Even though he died shortly after the mansion was completed, the spirit of the home remains alive.
Today, it serves as a museum as well as events host, holding weddings, festivals, concerts, and more. It also boasts a fancy restaurant that visitors flock to. Also in Arizona: Scottsdale’s Taliesin West used to be the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, and now it serves as the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.
Minnesota - Glensheen
Glensheen is a house owned by Clara Congdon, who always used to joke about having quiet neighbors - there is a huge cemetery on the plot of land next to it. This would definitely be considered a mansion, as it has a whopping 39 rooms. Years later, the house was donated to the University of Minnesota, and it was renovated into a house museum.
A guided tour of the full mansion takes around 1.5 hours - and that's without exploring the estate itself. Also in Minnesota: The 1891 James J. Hill House in St. Paul was, at its time, the largest and most expensive home built in Minnesota, at 36,500 square feet.
Florida - Ernest Hemingway’s Home
In Key West, Florida is where Ernest Hemingway’s home lies, where he lived with his wife from 1931 to 1940. The Spanish Colonial style of architecture is what really makes the house stand out. However, before the Hemingways bought this home, it was in desperate need of renovation. Interestingly enough, this is now the home of approximately 40 to 50 polydactyl (six-toed) cats.
In 1964 the home was converted into a museum where visitors can see Hemingway's original study as he used it. Also in Florida: Ca’ d’Zan is American circus owner John Ringling’s famous estate, located in Sarasota, Florida, neighboring Sarasota Bay.
South Carolina - Tidalholm "The Big Chill"
Tidalholm is the official name of the countryside private home, but it served as the primary setting for the ’80s classic, "The Big Chill." Located in Beaufort, the home resides among many more architectural beauties. It was built in 1853 by cotton mogul Edgar Fripp as his holiday home. Today, the house is privately owned, so it is not possible to schedule any tours.
Still, fans of the movie can, and do, take pictures and videos of the house as per the owners' permission. Also in South Carolina: Drayton Hall is a charming Georgian Palladian plantation house located on the banks of the Ashley River.
Alabama - The Crown Jewel of Demopolis
Before becoming one of the most historic buildings dedicated to Greek culture, this house was actually just an ordinary, simple cabin - hard to believe, right? Not until the years 1843 through 1861 did it get renovated by amateur architect, General Nathan Bryan Whitfield. He expanded and augmented the home into what it is today.
Today, the house is open for tours and houses family heirlooms donated by the Whitfield family. Also in Alabama: The Hank Williams Boyhood Home in Georgiana, Alabama is the house where Hank Williams himself honed his musical abilities before becoming one of the most famous and admired country music superstars in history.
Texas - Bishop's Palace
The Bishop’s place was built for attorney Walter Gresham, and it is Galveston’s best-known building. Esteemed architect Nicholas Clayton made this home both practical and beautiful. It stood strong through the Great Hurricane of 1900, but there are also silver-lined appliances in the home for aesthetic purposes.
Thanks to its stone exterior, it was able to house hundreds of survivors of the great hurricane of 1900. It was purchased by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston in 1923 and became home to the Bishop, hence its name. Also in Texas: The Huntsville home is the residence of Sam Houston, the first elected president of the Republic of Texas.
Alaska - The Russian Bishop’s House
Russia holds a lot of history in the state of Alaska, but only a few remnants of Russian architecture have survived. One of these is the Russian Bishop’s house, which was completed in 1842, in Sitka National Historical Park. This cultural and informational center for Russian development can be seen for its unique construction, specific to Russian architecture.
It was built to house the first Russian Bishop in Alaska as part of the Russian Orthodox Xhurch's attempt to spread their work into America. Also in Alaska: The Oscar Anderson House is one of the oldest homes in Anchorage, Alaska. It shows the contributions that Oscar Anderson made to the early development of Anchorage.
Kansas - Amelia Earhart's Birthplace
In Kansas lies the home where famous aviator Amelia Earhart was born. She went on to spend the majority of her life in this Gothic-style cottage. Now, it is re-purposed to be a historic house museum to commemorate Earhart's life. The house, now a museum, serves as a link to the famous pilot and offers a unique insight into her childhood life.
The Ninety-Nines (an International Organization of Women Pilots) restored the house to its former glory and opened it to the public as a historic house museum. Also in Kansas: Another famous home was President Eisenhower’s childhood house, which is now a museum for the Eisenhower Presidential Center.
Mississippi - Longwood Plantation
Longwood Plantation is home to America’s largest octagonal-shaped house. Historians jokingly refer to this home as “Nutt’s Folly” because the estate was the dream home of Haller Nutt. Nutt was a nobleman who unfortunately passed away from pneumonia before the home could be fully completed. But the rest of his family lived in the finished basement.
It also boasts the Byzantine onion-style dome at the top of it, along with its ornate decorations. For a house built in 1864, it stands very impressively today. Also in Mississippi: The two-room house where Elvis Presley was birthed and spent his childhood in is along the Mississippi Blues Trail.
California - Postcard Row
One of the nation’s most photographed homes is Postcard Row, located in San Francisco. Designed between the years 1892 and 1896, these seven homes were developed by a single person. Nicknamed the “seven sisters,” these homes might be familiar to you, as they were famously photographed for the show "Full House." Unfortunately, you cannot visit these homes, as they are all privately owned.
The houses symbolize the California gold rush. People were accruing wealth rapidly and wanted to boast their newfound wealth. Also in California: The Winchester Mystery House located in San Jose is a beautiful Victorian mansion that was once the home of Sarah Winchester. It’s historic for its unique and captivating architecture.
Georgia - The Mercer-Williams House
Originally, this home was designed for the grandfather of singer-songwriter Johnny Mercer. But years later, this home was bought and restored by antique connoisseur, Jim Williams. In 1994, it quickly became an attraction for tourists in Savannah, Georgia. This was due to the overwhelming success of the movie adaptation of the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil."
The house is still family-owned today, and the famous red-brick house stands as a historical house museum today. Also in Georgia: Located in Covington, Georgia is The Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast, which is believed to be the inspiration for Margaret Mitchell’s fictional Twelve Oaks in the movie Gone With the Wind.
Utah - The Beehive House
Located in Salt Lake City, this home was built in 1854 for Mormon leader Brigham Young. This house is uniquely named after the beehive structure on the top of the house. Eventually, the house became too small for Young’s overwhelming family size, but it still holds as one of the most unique pieces of architecture to this day.
After it ceased being a private residence, the home operated as a boarding house for young women, run by the Mormon Church. In 1961 the house was restored to its original look and opened as a museum. Also in Utah: Iconic Butch Cassidy’s childhood home is a popular tourist attraction, as his parents were some of the state’s first Mormon settlers.
Oregon - The Pittock Mansion
Oregon Trail pioneers Georgiana and Henry Pittock lived in this reputable mansion for only a short period of time (1914-1919) before they, unfortunately, passed away. The two were huge influences in the development of the city years prior to living in the house. For example, Henry worked several years as a publisher of the Portland Oregonian.
After the house was put on the market in 1958, it stood empty for years. It was badly damaged in the Columbus Day Storm of 1962, and residents implored the city to buy it and turn it into a public space. In 1965, it opened as a museum. Also in Oregon: The Watzek House, built in 1935, is a modern home that is clearly years ahead of its time, stylistically.
Washington - Manresa Castle
In 1892, Manresa Castle was built as a private residence for Charles Eisenbeis, more commonly known as the city’s first mayor. It is located in the beautiful city of Port Townsend. At the time, it was the largest residence ever built in the city, with 30 rooms. After Charles' death, the house remained unoccupied for 20 years asides from its caretaker.
In 1927 the building was bought by Jesuit priests, who gave it the name "Manresa Castle." Currently, it is a hotel and offers services such as elegant wedding services and versatile meeting rooms. Also in Washington: The Ann Starrett Mansion, which is also located in Port Townsend, is known for being the iconic pink palace.
Colorado - Margaret “Molly” Brown’s Home
Many celebrities have elaborate mansions all over the country, but Margaret “Molly” Brown’s home is a little different from the rest. Not only is it famous for being her home, but the Victorian architecture also became a museum. However, the threat of urban renewal put the house in danger of being taken down. In 1970, a successful plea was made to save the home, and thankfully, we can still visit it today.
Also in Colorado: The Sleeper House, aka The Sculptured House, is located in Golden, Colorado. Its futuristic, elliptical structure made an appearance in a Woody Allen film in 1973, which gave it its fame.
Maine - Olson House
What used to be an old farmhouse is now a public house museum operated by the Farnsworth Art Museum. Extraordinary artwork occupies the house, but perhaps Andrew Wyeth’s 1948 painting "Christina’s World" is the most famous. The painting, along with other works by Wyeth, was influenced by the home itself and the farmstead setting.
The house is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture and was originally a 14-room colonial farmhouse. It was the Wyeth's Summer home, and held a special place in Andrew Wyeth's heart. Also in Maine: The Victoria Mansion is an Italian villa-style mansion that displays how the high-status demographic lived before the Civil War.
Delaware - Winterthur House
The Du Pont family is historically one of the wealthiest families to have ever lived in the United States. Having found their fortune in the gunpowder industry in the mid-19th century, the family soon expanded into the automobile and chemical industries. Their early family home was Winterthur. Now a museum, the estate is a whopping 1000 acres and the house holds 175 rooms. Let that sink in for a minute.
In 1951, the house was converted into a museum, and it holds nearly 90,000 objects. Primarily, it contains decorative art and furniture dating between 1640 to 1860. It is surrounded by woodlands and gardens that are impeccably maintained.
Ohio - Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Built between 1912 and 1915, the Stan Hywet house was built for F.A. Sieberling and his wife. Sieberling was the founder of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company. While "Stan Hywet" might sound eponymous, it is actually a loose translation from Old English to mean "stone quarry," an ode to what was on the estate before the house was built.
The 70-acre estate was not just a family home; the Siberlings used it as a place for entertainment and events for the residents of Akron. The couple lived there for over 40 years, and in 1955, following Sieberling's death, it was turned into a museum where tours and events are held today.
Rhode Island - Isaac Bell House
Believe it or not, this house was Isaac Bell's summer cottage. Bell was a big name in the cotton industry and this house is proof of just how big his name was. The main point of interest was the shingle style that was in fashion at the time, and it remains one of the best examples of the architectural style today.
The house is decked out with wooden shingles along the exterior and has Japanese-inspired bamboo columns around the porch. It was subdivided into apartments over the years and even served as a nursing home at one point. In 1994, it was restored and reopened as a museum.
Tennessee - Andrew Jackson's Hermitage House
Purchased in 1804, Andrew Jackson would spend much of his life at The Hermitage. The house was built to fend off enemy attacks. While Jackson and his wife, Rachel, lived at The White House during his presidency, they remained at The Hermitage until their passings. They are both buried in a tomb constructed on the property.
The house was officially opened as a museum in 2003, including the Confederate soldiers' home cemetery. In the centuries prior, it served various purposes. While Jackson's legacy is controversial, his house is a monument in time allowing visitors a rare insight into his time period.
Idaho - McConnell Mansion
William J. McConnell had humble beginnings, though his legacy is alive and well today thanks to his home. McConnell was the governor of Idaho from 1887 to 1893, a proud Republican, and a successful businessman. He was also one of the first state senators, so McConnell had a successful political career despite very little experience when he started.
It was in 1890, during his time in office, that Idaho received official statehood. In 1886, he built the iconic McConnell Mansion which boasted many rooms and a space in which to meet with fellow politicians and aristocrats. Today, tours and events are consistently held, including book fairs, ice cream days, and lectures.
Pennsylvania - Cairnwood Estate
Originally a Scottish immigrant, John Pitcairn became an oil baron during the "oil boom" of the 1870s. He later also found success in the glass manufacturing industry. While he was peers with the like of John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, Pitcairn was known for his integrity throughout his life and business dealings.
In 1895, he built Cairnwood as a home for himself and his family - though his wife died only a few years after they moved in. Today, the mansion serves primarily as a wedding venue, though tours, lectures, and activities are offered year-round for the public to enjoy.
Wisconsin - Black Point Estate
It makes sense that a house as unusual as this one wouldn't have a typical owner. Black Point Estate was built in 1888 for Conrad Seipp, a beer baron from Chicago. The estate is one of the oldest homes in Lake Geneva, and thousands of tourists flock each year to see the phenomenal and curious piece of architecture.
Touring the house includes a 45-minute scenic boat tour, after which you are transported back in time to the late 1800s. The house hosts events such as murder mystery nights - and it seems like the perfect backdrop for them as well.
Missouri - Harry S. Truman House
Harry S. Truman was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. He hailed from Missouri and was always very proud of his roots. His house was originally that of his wife's grandfather, and it was built between 1867 and 1885. The Trumans moved in before the presidency, and afterward, they returned to the house to live out the rest of their days.
The house was left to the National Park Service so that it should be made open to the public for posterity. Today, visitors are able to tour the grounds and learn about the Trumans in both a personal and professional capacity.
Illinois - The McCallister House
Known as the "Home Alone" house, this mansion gained popularity for its role in the popular Christmas movies. The interior of the house was a little small for the movie's director (imagine that), so it was primarily used for exterior shots.
The tree house in the backyard was constructed purely for the movie, and was dismantled once it was no longer necessary. The house is a private residence, so visitors are out of luck if they want a grand tour. With that said, that is likely okay given that so little of the interior was actually used in the film.
New Hampshire - Jackson House
Built in 1664, this house is the oldest wood-framed house in New Hampshire (believe it or not, there is an even older one in Massachusetts that takes the top spot in the country). It was built by Richard Jackson, a mariner, farmer, and woodworker. Aesthetically, it resembles medieval European architecture, but the use of timber is uniquely American.
Tours and events are commonly held on the grounds, as well as school trips to teach about the history of the house and the time period in which it was first occupied. It also boasts collections of artifacts and photos of what life was like in the state all those years ago.
Louisiana - "Steel Magnolia" House
The house in the cult classic "Steel Magnolias" is embedded in film culture at this point. So it should come as no surprise that the iconic building has turned into a bed and breakfast, so the most number of people can experience it first-hand. The exact date of building is unknown but the earliest records place it at 1841.
The architects had bricks imported from France, and it's this attention to detail that has allowed it to stand strong for so many years. The Bed and Breakfast opened in 2014 and has been steadily booked up since. Guests are advised to book well in advance.
West Virginia - The Pumpkin House
In Kenova, West Virginia, sits the Pumpkin House which has served as a tourist attraction for decades. Opened in 1978, the Pumpkin House had only a few pumpkins to exhibit for its first Halloween display, but over the years it has grown exponentially in both produce and popularity. Roughly 30,000 visitors travel to the Pumpkin House each year.
It began as a personal project of Ric Griffith to carve jack-o-lanterns for his family, which expanded into a Halloween empire. The current owners of the Pumpkin House share that same family spirit, and that has undoubtedly led to the success of the house.
Virginia - Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Monticello was built in 1796 and really showcased the creative genius of Thomas Jefferson. The house was inspired by the neoclassical style that Jefferson was exposed to during his time in France, and it led to one of the most unique pieces of architecture of his day. Contrary to his regular use of slaves, Jefferson actually utilized labor-saving technology that completed the project pretty efficiently.
Tours, exhibitions, and lectures constantly run at the museum that educates visitors on the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson, as well as special emphasis on teaching about slavery and the role it played in early North America.
New Mexico - Taos Pueblo
The only living Native American community that is labeled both a National Historic Landmark as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo is a unique look into another world. The exact origin date of the site is not widely known, but ruins place it at least 1000 years old.
The housing constructions are made entirely of adobe (earth mixed with straw and water and then sun-dried in brick form). The buildings are maintained by plastering them with mud, and the roofs are made of timber. Visitors are welcome most days and most times, though there are community rules that tourists are asked to respect.
Oklahoma - Prairie Chicken House
This funnily-named house is named for its resemblance to a chicken. Built in the iconic Prairie style by Herb Greene in 1960-61, the house is the manifestation of Greene's imagination and creativity. The house was his private residence, and today it remains one of just a few buildings that illustrate so perfectly the Prairie architectural style.
Tours happen regularly and visitors are guided through the home with unique commentary on Greene's life, work, and an inside-peak into his mind and creative process. For any fan of architecture, this is a once-in-a-lifetime example of such a rare style executed so accurately.
Maine - Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion was built between 1858 and 1850 for a couple named Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olive. The mansion is affectionately also referred to as the Morse-Libby House, after the original owners. The Morses commissioned it as their Summer home (how the other half live) and entrusted the finest architects and interior decorators of their day to bring their dream home to life.
Needless to say, they succeeded, and Victoria Mansion is still regarded as one of the finest examples of Italian villa-style architecture in the United States today. Tourists are able to visit the historical site and tour through the glorious construction.
Washington - Ann Starrett Mansion
The Starrett House was built in 1889 by George Starrett for his wife, Ann. The house was designed in the Gothic and Stick architectural styles and remains one of the best examples of the styles even today. The house famously boasts a free-standing spiral staircase that has come to be synonymous with the building.
In the 130-odd years that the house has stood, it has transformed from private residences to restaurants, to a bed and breakfast which stands today. Individual rooms can be rented out, and even the entire house can be to accommodate large gatherings or weddings. Visitors are transported back in time and can enjoy a brief stay in complete luxury.
Oregon - Aubrey Watzek House
This house is one of the prime examples of modern architecture - and that fact is made apparent when you learn it was designed in 1935 and built in 1937. The house was designed by now-famous John Yeon when he was only 26 years old. The U-shaped house features a spectacular view of Mt. Hood.
Small, guided tours are available for the Watzek House, and special arrangements can be made for school groups and university classes to visit. Visitors will learn about the movement-defining construction and its fascinating history. Advanced booking is recommended as the tours are small and fill up quickly.
Georgia - Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast
This iconic building inspired the famed Twelve Oaks of "Gone With the Wind." The house was built in 1836 by a judge named John Harris. The house changed hands a couple more times and eventually new floors were added and the house expanded into what it is today. The house is one of the finest examples of the antebellum style in the United States and has been featured in a number of publications.
The house has also been the shooting location for productions like "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Family That Preys." Most notably, it is the namesake and inspiration for Margeret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind."
California - Winchester Mystery House
Spanning 24,000 square feet, this wonder of a house is unparalleled. It was built for Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, heiress of the renowned Winchester Repeating Arms fortune. Curiously, she kept building and expanding for decades, starting in 1886, and stopping only at her death in 1922.
The mystery comes in many ways; why did Sarah remove herself almost entirely from the outside world to focus on this insane building project? What prompted the continuous expansion, and what purpose did it ultimately serve? Today, events of all types are held on the estate, and it draws special attention for its supposedly haunted interior.
Mississippi - Elvis Presley's Birthplace
Despite becoming one of the most famous musicians in music history, Elvis Presley came from humble origins. He was born and spent the early years of his life in this two-room house that his father, grandfather, and uncle built. The King of Rock and Roll lived in the Tupelo house until he was 13 when his parents were forced to move for financial concerns.
Today, statues mark Elvis' childhood, as well as acknowledge the stardom he achieved later in life. Visitors are able to see first-hand how the King lived, as well as the church he and his family attended, where he was first exposed to the gospel music that piqued his interest in music, to begin with.