Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Pierce House

1857

— Kutzbock & Donnel —

Pierce House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

1. Pierce House Marker

Inscription. Built in the early Romanesque Revival style, this Prairie du Chien sandstone house exemplifies the ornate designs of local architects August Kutzbock and Samuel Donnel. In the 1850's and 60's, it was commissioned by Alexander A. McDonnell, contractor for the third State Capitol. Among later occupants of the house were Sarah Fairchild Dean Conover, a society dowager, and George Pierce, a power company executive.

Erected 1971 by Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list.

Location. 43° 4.731′ N, 89° 23.254′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of East Gilman Street and North Pinckney Street, on the left when traveling west on East Gilman Street. The marker is on the ground in front of the house. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 424 North Pinckney Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bashford House (a few steps from this marker); Keenan House (within shouting distance of this marker); Kendall House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Keyes House (within shouting distance of this marker); Period Garden Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mansion Hill Historic District (about 300 feet away); Quisling Towers Apartments (about 300 feet away); Timothy Brown House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Pierce House. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, the Pierce House "was designed for Alexander A. McDonnell, contractor for the east wing of the State Capitol, which was being constructed at the same time, also in the unusual Romanesque Revival style. Among later occupants of the house were John Garnhart, a plow manufacturer, and his wife Roberta, who after husband's death continued to live in the house and eventually married Orasmus Cole, chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court; Sarah Fairchild Dean Conover, a noted society leader; and Carrie and George Pierce, a power company executive."

Pierce House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

2. Pierce House

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

3. Pierce House

View from the intersection of North Pinckney Street and East Gilman Street

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 29, 2010

4. Pierce House

Detail of wrought iron on back of house.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 29, 2010

5. Pierce House

View from North Pinckney Street - the marker is on the ground by the sidewalk near the lower left corner of this photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,132 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on December 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on June 30, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on July 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.