Civil War Mansion

Description

Civil War Mansion features the Oliver Anderson House, Lexington, Missouri, which was built in 1853 by successful hemp and cotton manufacturer Oliver Anderson of Nicholasville, Kentucky. The dwelling is a fine example of the large mansion houses that prosperous, slave-holding Southerners were building in Missouri in the 1840’s and 1850’s. As a prominent Southern citizen, it is likely that Anderson was arrested when the Federal troops occupied Lexington in July 1861. During the Battle of Lexington, September 18-20, 1861, extensive damage was caused to both the interior and exterior of the Anderson House from rifle and cannon shot. The home is now maintained by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as part of the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.