The Historic Octagon House – Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
This house was built in 1856 to be an Indian fort, and later was used as part of the Underground Railroad. There are 12 rooms in the home which features 9 passageways and a hand-dug underground tunnel. The house is a private residence now (and has been) but the owners do provide showings for a fee when reservations are made in advance.
The house is on the National Register of Historic Homes. The house was a wedding gift to Edwin Brown and his bride Ruth Pier and was their home until his death in the battle of Antietam, in 1862.
Although there are other houses that are far prettier than this one to look at, few have the history of this home. It sheltered slaves as they made their way to freedom. It is at the head of Fond du Lac’s Historic District, and artifacts from the era.
The Upstairs Study contains memorabilia from the Women’s Relief Corps, a group formulated of dedicated ladies who originally went out onto the battlefields providing food, water and first aid to the soldiers in battle. Today this organization would be called the Red Cross or the Salvation Army, providing assistance to the soldiers. The house was named as a post of the Women’s Relief Corps during the Civil War.
In the south bedroom you will see the “Indian Lookout” windows. As you look at the room you will see that part of the room is set up on a platform. Here is an area that was the entrance to a “secret room” for the slaves. One even left a message that you can see. You can crawl in and see for yourself.
Inside the house are displays of porcelain dolls, hats, early cookware, vintage china, heirloom clothing and much more. You can check out the hat pins, jewelry fancies, perfume bottles and seasonal collectibles all here. Keep looking and you will find antique tools, vintage photo equipment and kerosene lamps all to help you grasp the lifestyle of the era.
The Historic Octagon House is open April – October on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 – 5. Guided tours are given at 2.
While you are visiting you can “play dress up” in period cloths although there is an additional fee for this.
Location: 276 Linden St, Fond du Lac
Phone for tours: 920-922-1608
There is a fee charged for tours.
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