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Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site: A Federal Gem in Illinois

Explore the legacy of Nicholas Jarrot at this Federal-style mansion, a window into Illinois' transition from French colony to American territory.

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The Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, stands as a testament to early 19th-century American Federal architecture in the Mississippi River Valley. Built between 1807 and 1810 for Nicholas Jarrot, a French-born entrepreneur, the mansion offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent figure in the region's transition from French colony to American territory.

A brief summary to Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Check the Jarrot Mansion Project website or call ahead to confirm opening times, as the site is currently open for special events only.
  • Consider visiting during special events like the Autumn Open House or Fete du Bon Vieux Temps for a more immersive experience.
  • The second floor is not accessible; however, a wheelchair elevator provides access to the first floor.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site is located near the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and Highway 157 in Cahokia Heights, Illinois. From downtown St. Louis, cross the Poplar Street Bridge (I-55/I-64) into Illinois. Continue on I-55/I-64 to Illinois Route 3 South. Follow IL-3 South to Cahokia Heights. The site will be on your right. Parking is available on-site. There are asphalt parking lots with designated accessible parking spaces.

  • Public Transport

    The St. Clair County Transit District provides bus service to Cahokia Heights. Several MetroBus routes, including the #2 Cahokia Heights, #3 Sauget-Water Street, and #8 Alta Sita, serve the area. From various points in St. Louis and surrounding areas, take the MetroLink to the 5th & MO Transit Center and transfer to one of the connecting bus routes to Cahokia Heights. The nearest bus stop to the Jarrot Mansion is Illinois Route 3 @ 4th Street. From there, it is a short walk to the site. A single-ride fare on MetroBus is $1.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site, you can walk to the Jarrot Mansion. Head east on 1st Street. The Jarrot Mansion will be on your left. The walk is less than half a mile.

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Discover more about Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site

The Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site, located in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, offers a unique window into the past. Completed in 1810 for Nicholas Jarrot, a French-born entrepreneur, land speculator, judge, and militia officer, the mansion is one of the earliest surviving masonry buildings in Illinois. Jarrot, prospering through trade, land, and law, constructed the mansion in the American Federal style, a departure from the traditional French Colonial architecture prevalent in the area, signifying his integration into the burgeoning American society. The two-story brick structure features a full cellar, a central hall flanked by rooms on each side, and a second floor with a ballroom and drawing room. A stone spring house, dating back to around 1810, also graces the grounds. Although the mansion is currently undergoing restoration, it periodically opens for special events such as the “Autumn Open House” in September and the “Fete du Bon Vieux Temps”. The Jarrot Mansion's architecture reflects Nicholas Jarrot's ambition and vision. Its construction marked a shift from French colonial styles to the more contemporary American Federal style, symbolizing the transition of the region. The mansion is a reminder of the cultural and economic changes that swept through the Illinois territory as it became part of the United States. The Jarrot Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and further honored as a National Historic Landmark in 2001. Today, the Jarrot Mansion Project, Inc., a non-profit organization, supports the preservation and restoration of this important historical landmark.

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