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 This
was the home of Nicholas Jarrot (1764-1820), a French-born entrepreneur
and land speculator who also served as judge and local militia officer.
Construction of the Mansion began in 1807, making it one of the
earliest surviving masonry buildings in Illinois. The home is also
notable for its use of American Federal architectural design, rather
than the traditional French Colonial style common in the area.
The Mansion is a two-story brick structure with a full cellar.
The first floor is composed of a central hall, flanked on each side
by two rooms. The second floor contains a ballroom with attached
drawing room, a stair hall, and two other rooms. On the grounds
is a stone spring house that dates from ca. 1810. In 1974 the Jarrot
Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
 Though
currently closed for restoration, the Mansion is opened periodically
for special events: “Autumn Open House” in September,
and Fete du Bon Vieux Temps or “Festival of the Good Old Days”
(Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday). Restoration efforts are assisted
by the Jarrot Mansion Project, Inc., a non-profit organization.
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