Hunter-Dawson House

Missouri Mansions Series:

The Hunter-Dawson Mansion is a historic antebellum home located in New Madrid, Missouri. The massive home was built in the 1850s and is a well-preserved example of Southern plantation-style architecture. It also reflects the wealth and lifestyle of wealthy Missourians in the pre-Civil War era.

History & Significance:

• The mansion was built by William Washington Hunter. Hunter was a wealthy businessman and plantation owner. He died before the home was completed, and his wife, Amanda Hunter, finished the house.
• After the Civil War, the house remained in the family until it was later sold to the Dawson family. They are the ones who gave it the name, Hunter-Dawson.
• It was donated to the state of Missouri in 1966 and is now a state historic site.

Mansion Specs:

• The mansion has 15 rooms, most of which are still furnished with original 19th-century pieces.
• It showcases Greek Revival architecture, with high ceilings, decorative woodwork, and elegant parlors.
• The home sits near the Mississippi River, a key area during the Civil War.

Mansion Today:

Today, the Mansion is a Missouri State Historic Site, open for tours and educational programs. Visitors can explore the home and learn about Missouri’s history, the Civil War, and life in the 1800s.