Rivercene Mansion
Missouri Mansions Series
(Public Domain)
The Rivercene Mansion is a historic residence located near New Franklin and Boonville. The two-story home was built in 1869 and exemplifies the Second Empire architectural style. It features orange-colored brick, a distinctive slate mansard roof, and four wooden porches. It is nearly square in shape. The primary structure measures 58 feet across the front by 54 feet on the sides. It is flanked by four wooden porches including on the front that stretches nearly the entire length of the home.
Captain Kinney’s Dream
The mansion was originally built for Captain Joseph Beeler Kinney. He was a prominent steamboat captain who operated on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. In fact, Captain Kinney earned upwards of thousands of dollars per trip along the river. He would then use much of that money to build and furnish Rivercene.
The Kinney’s primarily lived in New Orleans during the winter and planned to live at Rivercene during the summers. But finding the perfect location for this massive home was difficult. Kinney knew he wanted it close to the Missouri River, but not too close due to flooding.
(Public Domain)
The Flood Plain
On one of his trips along the Missouri River, Kinney finally found his land. It is also noted that Kinney chose the location so he didn’t have to pay the high taxes in Boonville. He was a businessman, so he also realized that he could farm the fertile land to help offset the costs of the home. But it was in a flood plain.
It was a large piece of property that was slightly higher in elevation than the high water point of the Great Flood of 1844. He told friends and associates that there would never be a flood like 1844 again so the mansion was safe. The locals weren’t so sure and it became known as “Kinney’s Folly.” Captain Kinney was right — until well after his death. The home finally sustained a major flood in 1993. The river has since changed course and is not nearly as close to the river as it once was.
Mansion Specs
- 12,000 square feet
- 11 imported marble fireplaces
- 300 pound walnut front doors
- Hand-carved mahogany railing on grand staircase
- 11 bedrooms
- Four porches
Historical Significance
The mansion’s historical significance lies in its connection to the steamboat industry, which played a crucial role in commerce and transportation along the Missouri River. Kinney’s fortune was made through river trade, and Rivercene stands as a testament to the wealth and lifestyle of steamboat captains during that time.
The home was so spectacular that the State of Missouri reportedly used the architectural plan of Rivercene for the present-day Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City. From the image below, you can certainly see the similarities of the mansions built along the Missouri River.
(Missouri Secretary of State)
Rivercene Today:
Today, Rivercene Mansion is preserved as a historic landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It has operated as a bed and breakfast over the years as well as being a private home. The home is currently undergoing yet another refurbishment.
