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.
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.
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.
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.