Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, Illinois Ozarks Travel Guide

The Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site offers a captivating look into the lives of a prosperous family in southeastern Missouri during the mid-19th century. The centerpiece is the Hunter-Dawson House, a two-story, 15-room mansion constructed between 1859 and 1860 for William Washington Hunter and his wife, Amanda. Hunter, a Virginian who made his fortune as a merchant, farmer, and real estate investor, died shortly before the house was completed; Amanda carried on the project and lived there with her seven children.The house itself is an architectural blend, incorporating Georgian, Greek Revival, and Italianate influences. Constructed primarily of yellow cypress, the mansion boasts nine fireplaces and was furnished with pieces from the Cincinnati firm of Mitchell and Rammelsberg. Remarkably, the site retains an estimated 80% of Amanda Hunter's original furniture, potentially the largest collection of original Mitchell and Rammelsberg furniture.Visitors can explore the house on guided tours, offered throughout the day. These tours provide insights into the Hunter family's history, the architectural details of the home, and the significance of the furnishings. The site also touches on the Civil War era, as the house was briefly used as the headquarters of General John Pope of the Union Army. The Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is more than just a house; it's a window into a bygone era, offering a tangible connection to Missouri's rich past.