Charles Gates Dawes House: A Glimpse into Evanston's Past

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Explore the legacy of Charles Gates Dawes and Evanston's history in a stunning Chateauesque mansion on the shores of Lake Michigan.

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Charles Gates Dawes House

The Charles Gates Dawes House, a National Historic Landmark in Evanston, Illinois, offers a captivating look into the life of Charles Gates Dawes, former U.S. Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. This Chateauesque mansion, home to the Evanston History Center, showcases the Dawes family's collection and Evanston's rich history.

A brief summary to Charles Gates Dawes House

225 Greenwood St, Evanston, Illinois, 60201, US
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Thursday 1 pm-4 pm
Friday 1 pm-4 pm
Saturday 1 pm-4 pm
Sunday 1 pm-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Charles Gates Dawes House.

Visit Thursday through Sunday, 1-4 PM, for docent-led tours and access to exhibits.
Check the Evanston History Center's calendar for closures and special events.
Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street.
The first floor of the Dawes House is wheelchair accessible.

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Getting There

Walking

From the intersection of Sheridan Road and Greenwood Street, walk west on Greenwood Street for approximately 2 blocks. The Evanston History Center will be on your left. There is no cost associated with walking.
Public Transport

From the Dempster Purple Line station, walk east on Dempster Street, then turn left onto Chicago Avenue. Turn right onto Greenwood Street. The Evanston History Center will be on your right. A single ride on the Purple Line costs $2.50.
Driving

From downtown Evanston, head north on Sheridan Road. Turn left onto Greenwood Street. The Evanston History Center will be on your left at 225 Greenwood Street. Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street. Metered street parking is available throughout downtown Evanston for $2.00 per hour.

Discover more about Charles Gates Dawes House

Step back in time at the Charles Gates Dawes House, an architectural gem and historical treasure located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois. Built in 1894, this Chateauesque mansion was home to Charles Gates Dawes, the 30th Vice President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and influential figure. Today, the Dawes House serves as the home of the Evanston History Center, offering visitors an immersive experience into the life of Charles Dawes and the history of Evanston.Designed by architect H. Edwards Ficken, the 25-room mansion boasts a unique apricot-colored brick exterior with red sandstone ornamentation. Inside, intricate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and period furnishings reflect the opulence of the Gilded Age. Tour the Great Hall, reception parlors, library, and dining room, and view the family's collection of art, Tiffany lamps, and historical artifacts.Charles Gates Dawes lived in the house from 1909 to 1951, and the home hosted politicians, diplomats, and community members. Dawes made significant contributions as a banker, diplomat, and general, and is best known for the Dawes Plan, which helped stabilize the German economy after World War I. He donated the house to Northwestern University in 1944, with the intention that it become the home of the Evanston Historical Society.The Evanston History Center offers docent-led tours of the house and walking tours of Evanston neighborhoods, providing insights into the city's architecture and cultural landscape. The center also hosts exhibits and events that explore Evanston's history and community.