Magnolia Manor: Historical Mansion and Museum
Magnolia Manor is located in the historic park district in Cairo, Illinois. This mansion was built in 1869 and is one of the historical landmarks inside of Cairo. Among this mansion are many other beautiful homes, some kept kept nice and some falling apart. Magnolia Manor is one of the ones that has been kept up and is open for tours. It is a must see for any history or architecture buff.
I took the main pictures of Magnolia Manor for this page on Feb. 28, 2009. It was dreary out and after the ice storm, the trees look sad. I will go back in the spring/summer and take some photos where I can actually get OUT of the car!
I took the main pictures of Magnolia Manor for this page on Feb. 28, 2009. It was dreary out and after the ice storm, the trees look sad. I will go back in the spring/summer and take some photos where I can actually get OUT of the car!
What You Will Find Here
History
In 1869, Manolia Manor began its establishment by a milling merchant by Charles A. Galigher. He collected a fortune by selling flour to the government during the Civil War.
In 1872, it was finished. The Magnolia Manor was then a home to Charles Galigher, his wife Adelia Lippit Galigher, and their sons, Frank, Albert, and Charles Frederick. Magnolia Manor is a 14 room brick house. The walls of the house were built with double brick and a 10 inch air space to keep the dampness out.
Charles Galigher became friends with General Ulysses S. Grant, who stayed in the Magnolia Manor and had a big celebration for his presidential retirement. Cairo, IL was his headquarters during his seige of the south.
Below is a scan of a postcard. It says:
"U.S. Grant bedroom. President U. S. Grant returned to Cairo in 1880 to visit friends he had made while headquartered in Cairo during the Civil War. Bed is original furnishing."
In 1872, it was finished. The Magnolia Manor was then a home to Charles Galigher, his wife Adelia Lippit Galigher, and their sons, Frank, Albert, and Charles Frederick. Magnolia Manor is a 14 room brick house. The walls of the house were built with double brick and a 10 inch air space to keep the dampness out.
Charles Galigher became friends with General Ulysses S. Grant, who stayed in the Magnolia Manor and had a big celebration for his presidential retirement. Cairo, IL was his headquarters during his seige of the south.
Below is a scan of a postcard. It says:
"U.S. Grant bedroom. President U. S. Grant returned to Cairo in 1880 to visit friends he had made while headquartered in Cairo during the Civil War. Bed is original furnishing."
Inside
The photo on the right is a scan of a postcard of the kitchen. It displays original furnishings.I dont have a list of all of the rooms but here is a list of some of the things inside of the house.
- A large hall was the gathering place for large crowds, entertained in the ballroom.
- Drawing room
- Stage
- Multiple dining rooms
- Sitting room, or Library
- Bedrooms
- Billiard Rooms
- Storerooms
- Sewing room
- Many more rooms. Visit Cairo, IL and take a tour!
Present
Because of Ulyssess S. Grant's visit to the Magnolia Manor, and the beautiful antique home, Magnolia Manor has been nicely kept in its original form and is open for tours and visits. Much of the original furtiture is there, and it is one of the highlights of visiting Cairo, IL. The manor is decorated for the holidays and is really pretty when in the winter when it snows.The room which now houses the museum was the sitting room, or library.
Magnolia Manor was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Dec. 17, 1969.
Magnolia Manor is open to the public daily.
Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Museum is closed from
Christmas Eve to New Year's Day annually.
Take a visit someday! They love visitors because the people who keep this going are volunteers and want to help Cairo get back on its feet.
Magnolia Manor on Amazon
Check out these books that mention the Magnolia Manor. Some have more information about Cairo as well.
The Spiritual Traveler: Chicago and Illinois: A Guide to Sacred Sites and Peaceful Places
Amazon Price: $22.00 (as of 12/29/2009) 
Shades of Grey: A Gaslight Gothic Mystery
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 12/29/2009)
Victorian Furniture: Our American Heritage
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Galigher's Victorian Magnolia Manor
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Recommended Readings
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Cairo, Illinois USA
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Magnolia Manor on Ebay
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Feedback
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Would you ever like to go?
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- TopStyleTravel TopStyleTravel May 29, 2009 @ 10:37 am
- Magnolia Mansion looks lovely, thanks for sharing.
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Reply
- aj2008 aj2008 Mar 5, 2009 @ 9:06 am
- Magnolia Manor looks like it should be a set in a film!
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Reply
- tpoint tpoint Mar 1, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
- I have been past the Magnolia Manor, but I have never taken a tour inside yet. I plan to do so on my next visit! Great job on your posting!
Other Webpages about Magnolia Manor
Didn't find what you need here? Try these other webpages.
- Magnolia Manor
- Discusses the history of the home, and shows tour times, and events.
- Southern Illinoisian News Article
- An article titled "Volunteers help keep Magnolia Manor running"
- Historic Cairo: Magnolia Manor
- Photos and a nice long description of the Magnolia Manor.
- Old Illinois Houses
- Discusses the history of the home and has an old picture of Magnolia Manor.
by jewelkid87
My name is Bethany. Im 21 years old and I live in Southern Illinois. My family grew up in Cairo, IL so I have a respect for the town and enjoy the his... (more)
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