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Lexington 'Castle' Historic Building

tlindenbaum
/
via FLIKR

A fixture off Old Route 66 at Lexington is now a national landmark. Lexington's historic Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's home to Chuck and Mary Wright, who have spent 3 decades restoring it. The Queen Anne home was built in 1898 by prominent stock horse breeder and farmer David Hyatt Van Dolah. The Castle's ornate limestone and brickwork, gables, and decorative arts, including hand-painted murals and a floating white oak staircase, are just a few of the features of the home that make it remarkable. Passersby first notice the wrap-around porch and turret on the building. The building is the second Lexington site included on the National Register of Historic Places, the first is Patton Cabin, which dates back to 1829. The Wrights are in the process of making the house and property into a destination for visitors. Chuck Wright has already completed restoration work on an antique carousel, the only such carnival ride in Illinois outside Chicago. There is also a miniature railroad that winds along turkey creek for two miles.

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