Location: Alton Map
Constructed: Henry Guest McPike
McPike Mansion is an abandoned residence in Alton in the Southern Illinois of USA that is claimed to be haunted by ghosts of its former owners. McPike Mansion was constructed in 1869 by Henry Guest McPike (1825–1910) after design of architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger.
Construction began in 1869 by the architect Lucas
Pfeiffenberger. The mansion featured 11 marble fireplaces and
beautifully carved stairway banisters, all of which have been stolen
during its abandonment. Intricate carved trim still border the
ceiling in one of the front rooms. McPike served as mayor of Alton
and was a notable local businessman, involved in real estate and box
making. He also served as the Librarian of the Alton-Southern
Illinois Horticultural Society in the late 1880s. He died in 1910.
In 1925, the McPike Mansion was purchased by Paul A. Laichinger,
who rented rooms out to others and lived there until his death in
1945.
McPike Mansion was listed on the National Register of
Historic Places on June 17, 1980 but was left derelict for many
years, before being purchased by Sharyn and George Luedke in an
auction in 1994.
According to the owner, the McPike Mansion
is allegedly haunted by the ghost of a former owner and a former
domestic servant. The Cellar has been a focal point of many energies
felt in the McPike mansion. It frequently is a part of the area's
many haunted tours.
Construction began in 1869 by architect Lucas
Pfeifenberger. That year, McPike's Rulander was considered of the finest
quality at the Mississippi Valley Viticulturists Association exhibition,
and his Diana was considered the best at the exhibition. McPike was a
well-known local businessman who served as mayor of Alton and was
involved in real estate and box making. He also served as librarian of
the Alton Southern Illinois Horticultural Society in the late 1880's. He
died in 1910.
In 1925, the mansion was purchased by Paul A.
Reichinger, who rented rooms to others and lived there until his death
in 1945. The mansion was then abandoned for many years, but there was a
move to demolish it and convert the land into a shopping center, which
was stalled due to zoning issues. In the meantime, what was left of the
property, from the furniture and wooden railings to the restrooms, was
vandalized and became a victim of vandalism and negligence.
The
building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June
17, 1980, but was long neglected and purchased at auction in 1994 by
Sherlyn and George Luedtke. They intended to convert the building into a
hotel, but contrary to the promises made at the auction, they were
unable to obtain grants from any federal, state, or local agency for the
restoration. Despite this, the Roodkes have raised funds through
donations and tours and have overseen the restoration process; In 2017,
the Alton Historical Commission awarded them a preservation award for
work done on the front porch and greenhouse.
Thousands of tourists and paranormal investigators have visited the grounds of the infamous McPike mansion. Some claim that the hauntings date back to before the mansion was built, with Native American ghosts and remnants of what may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. Other mysterious stories include the strange deaths of a building servant, a kitchen cook, and a woman in a bathtub. There is even a theory that Eleanor and Henry McPike still roam the hallways of their former home. In all, more than 11 different spirits have been seen in recent years.
The mansion was completed in 1871. It is a three-story
red brick and white building with white columns supporting a porch, 16
rooms, and a vaulted wine cellar.
McPike named the mansion Mount
Lookout because it sits on 15 acres (61,000 m2) facing Albee Street and
is one of the highest in Alton. McPike was an avid gardener and created
extensive gardens with orchards, shrubs, and rare trees. Only 4.4 acres
(18,000 m2) of the original estate remain at Mount Lookout.