Site Navigation
|
Audio
Photos
|
June 23, 2005
 |
| The LeDuc mansion was built in 1865 by William LeDuc, a Civil War quartermaster, former U.S. agriculture secretary under President Rutherford B. Hayes, a gentleman farmer and a restless entrepreneur who had a lot of ideas, but never made a lot of money. (MPR Photo/Cathy Wurzer) |
St. Paul, Minn. — Driving on Highway 61 in Hastings, one can't help but notice a buff-colored limestone mansion, with distinctive red trim, that sits behind tall wrought iron gates.
The 15-room mansion was designed by Andrew Jackson Downing, a man considered this country's first well-known writer on the subjects of domestic architecture, gardening, and "genteel living." He was considered the Martha Stewart of his day.
The mansion was built in 1865 by William LeDuc. LeDuc himself had a colorful life. He was a Civil War quartermaster, former U.S. agriculture secretary under President Rutherford B. Hayes, a gentleman farmer and a restless entrepreneur who had a lot of ideas, but never made a lot of money.
His mansion has stood empty for some 20 years, but this weekend, the newly renovated historic home opens for tours and events.
MPR's Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer recently met Joan Mathison, with the Dakota County Historical Society, at the LeDuc mansion.
|
|