Mansion circa 1860                    Mansion circa 1905                  Proposed Design 2002

The Farnsworth Mansion was built in 1860 by General John F. Farnsworth. In 1907 it became Mount St. Mary's Academy and then, in 1971, it was sold to Lutheran Valley High School. The Mansion was used as a thrift shop until 1992. It was then, against great opposition from the public, that the Mansion began to be dismantled. In 1993, after removal of the stone facade and interior trim was completed, the remainder of the Mansion was demolished. In October of 1999 the St. Charles Historic Preservation Commission received the stone facade, and in January of 2000, received the interior trim that was salvaged. It was then that it was decided that the Mansion must be rebuilt. In February of 2000, the City Council gave approval t rebuild the Mansion on South end of Langum Park located on Rt. 25. This site was once know as Camp Kane. This was a Civil War training camp for the 8th Illinois Cavalry, which was formed by General Farnsworth, who owned the property at the time. It is because of these facts, the City Council, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Farnsworth Mansion Foundation decided the this site would be the most appropriate place to rebuild the Mansion. Once complete the Mansion will be home to a Civil War Museum.