The Last Of Its Kind In Idaho, History Lovers Can Tour The Victorian-Era McConnell Mansion
If you live in or have visited Moscow, you may have found yourself wondering what the story is behind the big old mansion on Adams Street. Boasting authentic Victorian-era architecture, it’s the type of house that immediately grabs your attention! Known as the McConnell Mansion, this large and impressive structure is truly the last of its kind in Idaho. It’s definitely a beauty from the outside, but take the tour and you can learn all about this historic mansion and its storied past.
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Located in a historic neighborhood in Moscow, the McConnell Mansion is a one-of-a-kind architectural and historic landmark from the Victorian era. As the last of its kind in Idaho, this mansion is worth seeing for yourself.
The mansion was built by Governor McConnell who served the state of Idaho from 1887 to 1893. He built the house in 1886, and here it's stood ever since. A mixture of the Queen Anne and Eastlake architectural styles that were popular in the 1800s, no other mansion like it from this time period has survived.
Today, visitors are welcome to visit the mansion and get an insider's view of the historic structure. The mansion is typically open for tours Tuesday through Friday, and some Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, it's advised to call ahead of time to confirm these hours.
Once inside this Victoria-era gem, you'll really feel as if you've stepped into a time machine and gone back 130 years. The mansion has been pristinely preserved and kept up to resemble most of its former glory.
On the main floor of the mansion are rooms that have been decorated to resemble different time periods from 1900 to the 1930s. It's a good reminder of just how much style and decor has changed over the past century or so. There are some items you probably haven't seen with your own eyes in decades, or at all!
The second floor contains even more gems from the past, including a restored master bedroom and several exhibits that showcase what daily life looked like all those years ago. There are also plenty of hands-on activities for young visitors to enjoy.
Before you leave, be sure to stop by the museum store where you can pick up books on local history, notecards from area artists, and other souvenirs. Serving as a wonderful reminder of the past, the McConnell Mansion is a must-stop for history lovers.
Have you visited this historic mansion in Moscow, Idaho? Tell us about your experience and what you love most about this historic gem in the comments below.
