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:
Master Bedroom Courtesy of Brian Sirimaturos
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.