Hegeler Carus Mansion
History Lives Here
The Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle stands as one of the Midwest’s finest examples of Second Empire architecture. Today, the historic home welcomes visitors to tour its seven levels, fifty-seven rooms, and 24,000 square feet and discover the story of a family that played a significant role in shaping La Salle’s history.
National Historic Landmark
In 2007, the Hegeler Carus Mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and the United States Secretary of the Interior due to its significant role in La Salle, the state of Illinois, and the United States.
Designed by W.W. Boyington
The Hegeler Carus Mansion was designed by W.W. Boyington, the same architect who built the iconic Chicago Water Tower, and was completed in 1876. Today, the structure remains virtually unaltered. The home boasts beautiful, intricate parquet floors and hand-painted ceilings, as well as ten beautiful fireplaces, of which several are marble
Birthplace of Open Court Publishing Co.
The Hegeler Carus Mansion was once home to Open Court Publishing Company, founded by Edward C. Hegeler. The Hegeler family ran the company directly from the mansion for 80 years. The original typesetting is still unaltered today and available for tours.
Family History
The history of the Hegeler Carus family is woven tightly with the local community, the state of Illinois, the United States, and even extends across three continents. Notable members include Edward C. Hegeler, co-founder of the Matthiessen and Hegeler Zinc Company, once the largest zinc producer in the United States, and Mary Hegeler Carus, the first woman to graduate from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, who later served as president of the Matthiessen and Hegeler Zinc Company.
Tours
Visitors can choose between two different tours of the Hegeler Carus Mansion: the Main Story Tour and the Cover to Cover Tour. The Main Story Tour guides guests through the Main and part of the Ground Floors of the Mansion. You’ll see rooms that have been restored as well as rooms in their original state. The Cover to Cover Tour allows guests to explore even more of the home, including both public and private areas all the way up to the seventh floor Cupola.
