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

Explore the meticulously restored Charles Gates Dawes House in Evanston, a National Historic Landmark showcasing early 20th-century opulence and Evanston history.

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The Charles Gates Dawes House, a National Historic Landmark in Evanston, Illinois, offers a captivating glimpse into the life of Charles Gates Dawes, former U.S. Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. This Chateauesque mansion, built in 1894, showcases the Dawes family's collection of furnishings and artwork, reflecting their lifestyle in the 1920s.

A brief summary to Charles Gates Dawes House

Local tips

  • Check the Evanston History Center's website for scheduled closures and special events before visiting.
  • Take a docent-led tour for an in-depth understanding of the house's history and the Dawes family.
  • Explore the surrounding gardens for a peaceful escape.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Charles Gates Dawes House is accessible via public transportation. The CTA Purple Line's Dempster station is approximately a half-mile away. Metra's Union Pacific North Line stops at Main Street and Davis Street stations, both about nine-tenths of a mile from the house. From these stations, you can walk or take a Pace bus to the History Center. CTA and Pace bus fares typically cost $2.25 - $2.50 per ride.

  • Walking

    From downtown Evanston or Northwestern University, the Charles Gates Dawes House is a pleasant walk along Sheridan Road or Greenwood Street. The house is located at 225 Greenwood Street, near the lakefront. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes from downtown Evanston.

  • Driving

    If driving, take Sheridan Road to Greenwood Street. Limited free street parking is available on Greenwood Street in front of the Evanston History Center. Metered street parking is also available in the vicinity for $2 per hour, with enforcement from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Several parking garages are located in downtown Evanston, offering hourly and daily rates.

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Discover more about Charles Gates Dawes House

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Charles Gates Dawes House stands as an architectural and historical gem. Built in 1894, this Chateauesque mansion was home to Charles Gates Dawes, a prominent figure who served as the 30th Vice President of the United States and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1925 for his work on the Dawes Plan, which helped stabilize the German economy after World War I. Designed by architect Henry Edwards Ficken, the 25-room mansion boasts intricate woodwork, marble fireplaces, and luxurious finishes that reflect the opulence of the Gilded Age. Visitors can explore rooms with original furnishings, offering an authentic look into the life of a statesman. The house also features Tiffany lamps, European antiques, Persian rugs, and artwork. Since 1960, the Dawes House has been home to the Evanston History Center, preserving and sharing Evanston's history. The 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 Evanston History Center houses a vast archival trove of Evanston history.

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