General Lew Wallace Study

The Lew Wallace study isn’t a massive nor grand facility when viewed from afar; but when considering the context that this entire building was constructed as a study for Wallace and not necessarily a habitable space, it becomes much more massive. Technologically cutting-edge for its time it has over 90 electric light bulbs installed and protruding from plaster flowers amongst other innovations.

Lew Wallace is the author that penned one of the most iconic books of all time: Ben-Hur: A tale of the Christ, which was originally published in 1880. The story itself was a blockbuster seller and has been made into three feature films, an animated film voiced by Charlton Heston, and a Broadway play. The 1959 feature film starring Charlton Heston won 11 academy awards - the first film to do so. Only two other films have since captured this many honors: Titanic (1997) and the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003).

Lew Wallace himself designed the structure to meet his fantastic desires and was known to refer to it as “a pleasure-house for my soul.” The original structure even had a partial moat stocked with fish so that he could sit on the stairs and engage in his favorite past time. In bad weather he could open round windows and fish from the basement of his study as well.

The interior is a cavernous space lined with bookshelves and artwork. The study is currently undergoing renovations and during the process the curators performed paint analysis, uncovering extensive murals and discovering that all the decorative molding was originally painted with 24 karat gold leafing. The large domed skylight ceiling is very indicative of the early industrial period’s building designs. Although the site is currently undergoing some structural renovations, it is still open to the public and worth the visit.

The building now contains roughly 1,200 volumes from Wallace’s personal library and many artifacts from his personal life. Since the study also serves as a museum to Ben-Hur, items related to the Ben-Hur cannon are on display as well.

Entrance to the museum is $5.00 but parking is free. The grounds of General Lew Wallace’s study are surrounded by a large brick wall. The parking lot is not immediately obvious, however on the east wall there is a gated entrance. During open hours you drive in through the gate and park to the right. The yellow carriage house is where your tour will begin.

Lane Place Antebellum Mansion

Henry S. Lane was a politician, lawyer, banker, and early Indiana statesman. Lane moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana from Kentucky to live in a “free” state. He opened a law practice and entered politics. Lane is known for serving the shortest term for the post of Governor of Indiana - just 2 days before he resigned to be a U.S. Senator. Lane was also known for playing a leading roll in support of Abraham Lincoln’s candidacy for President of the United States.

Lane’s home, known as Lane Place, is a varietal collection of personal items and period pieces. It is maintained by the local historical society and as one of the older homes that we have visited thus far, it is in wonderful condition. Initially built in the mid-1840s the home mixes both Federalist and Grecian architectural stylings for the exterior.

Some of the most surprising elements of visiting historic homes tend to be the artifacts they contain. Often times the toys that children played with are some of the most surprising elements. To be able to have been played with, loved, and still be in the great condition that they are speaks volume to the children’s character of the time.

For Lane Place, as with the Harrison home, some of the most significant artifacts are those that relate to Lincoln; more specifically those that relate to Lincoln’s funeral and funeral train. The home contained Lane’s top hat from the funeral, as well as funeral ribbons and photographs.

Our guide and her young granddaughter showed us through the house. It was one of our most engaging home tours to date. Parking was a bit curious for us. We parked across the street to the north of the house. There appeared to be some street parking available as well. The tours begin at the front door of the home by ringing the doorbell. The tour costs $3.00 per person but we also recommend picking up the booklet that expands on the history of the home and artifacts it contains, for five extra dollars.