Surrounded by the fertile farm fields of Southeast Iowa, in the town of Mount Pleasant, the Harlan-Lincoln House is an Abraham Lincoln site that showcases stories of Lincoln and his descendants. The museum bears the names of the two families who lived there and is evidence of their relationship with each other.
James Harlan, an early president of Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, who, in 1855, became the first Republican Senator from Iowa, built this house in 1876 after retiring from the Senate. As a Senator he formed a friendship with President Abraham Lincoln. The two were political allies. Shortly before his death, Lincoln appointed Harlan as Secretary of the Interior.
Lincoln’s son, Robert, his only child to survive to adulthood, married Harlan’s daughter, Mary, the only surviving Harlan offspring. When they lived in Chicago, Robert and Mary brought their three children, Mamie, Abraham Lincoln II (Jack), and Jessie, to spend summers in Mount Pleasant with the Harlan grandparents.
The House and artifacts reveal stories about these two significant American families. Neither President Lincoln nor his wife, Mary Todd, came to Mount Pleasant; however, their son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren spent time here. Many artifacts speak of major events in nineteenth century United States history. For example, a collar
The House and artifacts reveal stories about these two significant American families. Neither President Lincoln nor his wife, Mary Todd, came to Mount Pleasant; however, their son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren spent time here. Many artifacts speak of major events in nineteenth century United States history. For example, a collar from the coat Abraham Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated and a mourning veil worn by his widow are tangible reminders of that horrific event.
A Civil War drum used at Camp Harlan, a nearby Civil War camp named after Senator Harlan, and a Civil War battle flag are more examples of that time of turmoil in the country.
Intimate family stories are also disclosed—the scandalous elopement of granddaughter Jessie, the death of her brother, Abraham Lincoln, II (Jack) at age 17, Mary To
A Civil War drum used at Camp Harlan, a nearby Civil War camp named after Senator Harlan, and a Civil War battle flag are more examples of that time of turmoil in the country.
Intimate family stories are also disclosed—the scandalous elopement of granddaughter Jessie, the death of her brother, Abraham Lincoln, II (Jack) at age 17, Mary Todd Lincoln’s 64 trunks of possessions brought to the home after her death. Dishes, silver, furnishings, paintings, and books that belonged to different generations of the family provide glimpses into their lives and lifestyles.
Abraham Lincoln, James Harlan, and Robert Todd Lincoln all served at a national level in politics and society during a significant era that ranged from the Civil War, the completion of the transcontinental railroad, and migration West to the Gilded Age. The Harlan-Lincoln House is witness to these men, their wives and families, and their contributions to our nation’s history.
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Supporters may use the button below to donate online or mail a check to:
Harlan-Lincoln House
P.O. Box 251
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641