Located just below Eagle Point Park, this 1856 Italianate mansion of
entrepreneur Mathias Ham, with its elegant Victorian furnishings, reflects
the splendor and beauty of nineteenth century life along the river.
One of Dubuque's earliest entrepreneurs, Mathias Ham
built his estate predominately through his lead mining interests. Ham's
stately country villa stands today as a living reflection of its wealthy
builder. Inside, its elegant American and European furnishings exemplify
the opulent Victorian lifestyle of a booming rivertown during the
Antebellum period. John F. Rague designed this distinctive example of the
Italian Villa style of architecture. As architect for the Old State
Capitols of Illinois and Iowa, Rague is known for the monumental scale and
elegance of his buildings.
Both the 1856 mansion and an 1833 log cabin (Iowa's oldest building),
which is also located at the site, are skillfully restored and
authentically furnished.
Owned by the Dubuque County Historical Society, The Mathias Ham House
is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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