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

Keenan House

1858

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

1. Keenan House Marker

Inscription. Originally built in the early Romanesque Revival style, this house was altered in 1870 by the addition of a mansard roof. The Milwaukee cream brick structure was built for, but never occupied by, Napolean Bonaparte Van Slyke, first cashier of the Dane County Bank. James Robbins, Catfish River flouring mill operator, was its first owner-occupant in 1865. Dr. George Keenan, prominent Madison surgeon, lived in the house from 1900-1916.

Erected 1971 by Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 3.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 43° 4.739′ N, 89° 23.272′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is at the intersection of East Gilman Street and North Pinckney Street, on the right when traveling west on East Gilman Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28 East Gilman Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pierce House (within shouting distance of this marker); Kendall House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Bashford House (within shouting distance of this marker); Quisling Towers Apartments (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Keyes House (about 300 feet away); Period Garden Park (about 400 feet away); Mansion Hill Historic District (about 400 feet away); Old Governor's Mansion (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Keenan House. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "It is said that [Napoleon Bonaparte Van Slyke] changed his mind about living in the house when Laura, his first wife, died. The house was sold to James Richardson, a business partner of Van Slyke and one of Madison's early business leaders... Chauncey Williams, another entrepreneur from New York state, added the 'French' roof in 1870. Dr. George Keenan ... lived in the house with his wife, Mary."

Keenan House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

2. Keenan House

The marker is on the ground by the sidewalk in front of the house.

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

3. Keenan House

View of the south corner of the house.

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 29, 2010

4. Keenan House

View of the east corner of the house.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,185 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on July 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.