Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

James Franklin Doughty Lanier was one of Madison’s pioneers. His activities in banking and railroad development made him one of the most important figures in Indiana’s history. Lanier moved to Madison in 1817 where he practiced law and served as clerk of the Indiana General Assembly in the 1820s. By 1834, he’d became president of the Madison Branch of the State Bank of Indiana and was a major investor in Indiana’s first railroad. Lanier’s business success allowed him to hire Madison architect Francis Costigan to design and build the grandest residence in Madison, which was completed in 1844.

Francis Costigan designed the mansion with many Greek Revival features. These include its square plan, the full façade porch on the south elevation, the Corinthian columns on the south portico, the Doric pilasters that appear on several locations on the exterior, the massive exterior entablature and dentilated cornice, the ornamental anthemia, the ornamental pediments over the windows and doors, and the Ionic columns that separate the double parlors on the first floor.

During the 1990s, the Lanier Mansion and grounds were restored to their former grandeur. After many years of painstaking research, the home was painted in the original colors both inside and out. On the interior, horsehair brushes were used to paint the walls and decorative plaster moldings covered with a high gloss varnish as they were in 1844 were hung. The wallpapers and carpets are all reproductions of those available for purchase in the 1840s.

Archaeologists and historians have been active at Lanier Mansion since 1990, discovering the original locations of the former dog kennels, poultry house, green houses and cisterns, as well as the original Lanier home and carriage house. Archaeologists also uncovered numerous glass and ceramic items, including shards of glass bottles, dishes, bowls and ceramic serving pieces made of yellow ware, white ware and porcelain, as well as transfer ware in a variety of colors. Researchers used the transfer ware shards as a guide in selecting the set of antique transfer ware that now adorns the mansion’s dining room.

Explore the Crown Jewel

The Greek Revival Lanier home has been preserved and shared for almost 100 years to honor James F. D. Lanier. Mr. Lanier made major economic contributions to the State of Indiana and the nation.

Admire architectural details

Look at the beautiful architecture of the home. In addition to the spiral staircase, be sure to notice the Corinthian columns on the south portico, the Ionic columns separating the double parlors on the first floor and even a curved door near the stairs!

Volunteer with us

Become a part of something bigger. Help our visitors engage with the past and connect it to the present, carrying their newfound knowledge and experiences with them long after their visit. We invite you to become a part of this exciting institution as a volunteer. Click below to learn more and apply today.