Lanier's Legacy

Lanier's Legacy. . , One of Madison’s most prominent citizens was James Franklin Doughty Lanier. He was a pioneer and respected banker/financier. Lanier hired the talented architect Francis Costigan to design his magnificent mansion on the Ohio River, where it shines as an outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture. Costigan arrived in Madison from Baltimore, MD, in the mid-1830s and practiced here until 1851 when he relocated to Indianapolis. It is considered Madison's finest architectural jewel. Below the mansion are recreated 19th century gardens. , Lanier Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, is open to the public. It is also used in local ceremonies and festivities. , Francis Costigan designed other homes and buildings in Madison, including the Shrewsbury-Windle House and several fine residences. His own home, located on West Third Street is owned by Historic Madison, Inc., and is open to the public. The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site is part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, a division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. , By the Way: , After Lanier moved to New York City, he made unsecured loans of over $1 million to Governor Oliver P. Morton to outfit Indiana troops and to cover the state's interest payments during the Civil War. All monies were repaid by the state, with interest. , [photo captions] , . Portico Column Detail , . Lanier Mansion in the 19th century , . Background drawings of Lanier Mansion created by Historic American Buildings Survey, part of the W.P.W. Project, 1936 , . Foundation – Stone; Walls – Painted Brick; Columns and Entablature – Wood; Window Trim – Wood; Sills – Stone; Cupola – Wood Stuccoed.