Travel back to the 19th century when you visit this Italian-style estate in America’s Midwest. Other attractions here include the state’s oldest building.
Mathias Ham House in Dubuque reflects back to the time before the Civil War, or Antebellum period, depicting what it was like to be a wealthy entrepreneur. Mathias Ham made his fortune predominantly from lead mining when the resource provided an economic boon to the area. Listen to tour guides dressed in period clothing as they provide descriptive accounts of the house, which was built in 1856.
Architect John Francis Rague designed the building, one of many he blueprinted, including the Capitol structures in Iowa and Illinois. Observe the style and elegance of the period at this National Register of Historic Places site operated by the Dubuque County Historical Society.
In the cupola at the top of the building, Ham enjoyed watching ships he owned travel the nearby Mississippi River. Once he noticed pirates waiting to loot his vessels and he quickly notified authorities who captured the buccaneers. The pirate captain was not pleased and threatened the entrepreneur with revenge, but one of Ham’s family members killed him.
Ask about modern-day accounts of supernatural phenomena occurring in the house, such as lights turning on when nobody is there and windows found open that were previously shut. Rumors say this may be the pirate getting revenge posthumously.
Discover the hardships of mining lead in this earlier period from accounts of what it was like to be a miner. Tour a replica mineshaft and visit a miner’s dwelling known as the Badger Hole. A settler’s log cabin on the property dates back to 1833, which means it is likely the oldest building in Iowa. Peek into an authentic one-room schoolhouse too.
Visit Mathias Ham House in northern Dubuque between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It is open Wednesday through Sunday. Get a discount on the admission price when you also purchase an entrance ticket to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
