Congdon Park in Duluth in Saint Louis County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
West Gate
| | Glensheen Historic Estate | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024
1. West Gate Marker
The Congdons' guests would have entered via London Road through the magnificent West Gate.
Drivers would follow the serpentine brick wall allowing passengers to take in the Stone Arch Bridge then the front of the mansion with its striking shaped gables.
Upon reaching the front door, guests were greeted by the butler who would take their calling cards and usher them into the reception room until the family arrived.
The chauffeur would continue down the pathway to park the automobile and return to the mansion via the servants' door, where he likely enjoyed a cup of coffee at the servants' dining room table.
Erected by Glensheen Historic Estate. (Marker Number 10.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list.
Location. 46° 48.909′ N, 92° 3.156′ W. Marker is in Duluth, Minnesota, in Saint Louis County. It is in Congdon Park. It can be reached from London Road (Voyageur Highway) (State Highway 61) 0.1 miles north of South 32nd Avenue East,
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Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region and in the Iron Range. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Glensheen (within shouting distance of this marker); Servant's Courtyard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Glensheen Restoration (about 300 feet away); The Landscape (about 300
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024
2. West Gate Marker
Looking west from the Congdon Mansion; London Road (Minnesota Highway 61) is on the opposite side of the gate.
Regarding West Gate. Contributing structure, Chester and Clara Congdon Estate Glensheen, National Register of Historic Places № 91001057.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Michael Koop, 8/1990:
Iron Fence, 1905-09. Defining the northern edge of the estate's domestic area is an iron fence supported by brick and granite piers that parallels London Road and extends from the western boundary to just past the service entrance. Immediately inside the property the landscape clearly illustrates the romantic principles of eighteenth century British landscape designers. A serpentine driveway flanked on the west side by a low brick and granite wall leads through dense woods to an entrance court facing the north elevation of the house.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Glensheen The Historic Congdon Estate
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024
3. Congdon Mansion Southwest Balcony
View of the southwest balcony as seen from the front of the mansion. Tischer Creek and the Stone Arch Bridge are visible in the background but obscured by the thick foliage.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024
4. The Congdon Mansion Glensheen
The front facade of the Congdon Mansion as viewed from the west gate. This is the scene family and guests experienced upon entrance to the estate.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024
5. The West Gate
The inside of the West Gate as seen from the serpentine driveway behind it. London Road is on the other side of the gate. Today this historic main entrance remains closed and locked while access to the Congdon Mansion and Glensheen Estate grounds is provided via the parking lot on the northeast side of the property. The new entrance and parking lot is about 0.1 mile north of this original gate.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 19, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
