Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site - New Madrid, Missouri

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Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site - New Madrid, Missouri
From 1860 to 1958 this historic house was owned and lived in by the same family that built it.

This 15-room, antebellum home reflects the splendor of the fine mansions that once were a common site along the Great River Road.

An eclectic style with Georgian, Greek Revival and Italianate influences. The lumber used in the house is mostly yellow cypress, which local and family tradition states came from a nearby sawmill owned by Hunter. The labor during construction was furnished by Hunter’s own slaves and by area craftsmen. One of the workers, Matt Imboden, was particularly skilled in brick masonry, as evidenced by the nine fireplaces within the house.

Furniture Collection

The majority of furnishings for the house were purchased from the Cincinnati firm of Mitchell and Rammelsberg, probably from its St. Louis outlet. The furniture, which remains in the house, was then shipped to New Madrid by steamer. It is believed that the furniture is the largest collection of an original Mitchell and Rammelsberg setting.

For admission costs and hours of operation please call:
(573) 748-5340