Macoupin County Historical Society/Anderson Mansion

Anderson Mansion The Macoupin County Historical Society was organized in March 1970 and is dedicated to the study of the area's history and the collecting and preserving of memorabilia of its people. In 1973, members purchased the house known locally as Anderson Mansion located in the northwest quadrant of Carlinville. Over the years, MCHS members have restored the home and several outbuildings, and established a museum.

In 1883, the original residence, built by John Anderson, was a one-story structure, but as the Anderson family grew, so did the house. The second story, the attic and tower were added in 1892. Several special features set the 13-room house apart from other homes of that time period: two large double-columned porches, two elaborate bay windows, eight fireplaces, a large stained glass window purchased at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and unique folding window shutters. Throughout the house, beautifully restored solid oak staircases, woodwork and pocket doors illustrate the craftsmanship of that era.

The main house has become a museum with exhibits that chronicle the development of Macoupin County and its citizens. In addition to the mansion, several other buildings on the grounds emphasize the county's history: a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, church, wash house, granary and herb garden. Recently a large display building was constructed to house the vehicles and farm machinery collected by the Macoupin Agricultural Antique Association.
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