Just south of Towanda, Ill., just off of old Route 66 is a stately home called Towanda Meadows. Because of its proximity to a set of railroad tracks, it reputedly was a haven for escaped slaves as part of the Underground Railroad.
It’s a fascinating story. Too bad it’s not true.
Towanda Meadows is indeed notable because of its Italianate architecture and is widely regarded as one of the finest farmhouses ever built in Illinois.
But the oft-told story about its Underground Railroad past isn’t true, namely because it wasn’t built until 1874-75 — well after the Civil War, reports McLean County historian Bill Steinbacher-Kemp in a story for the Bloomington Pantagraph.
The story of the home’s builder, William R. Duncan, is sad enough. But the saddest part of Towanda Meadows is the story’s last paragraph:
Today, the future of Towanda Meadows is in the hands of both an absentee landlord and the unforgiving elements.
Passed it many times and wondered about this magnificent structure. Thanks for bringing the story to my attention.
That last sentence is one that I don’t like to see. Definitely something we don’t want to lose.
Towanda Meadows is so amazing. I have passed it a number of times but finally, this week, I got off at the Towanda exit to take pictures. I had no idea that it was not inhabited. I cannot believe anyone would let a home as beautiful as TM to deteriorate.
My husband is a truck driver and passes by this many times, I recently traveled with him and was blown away by the size and stature of this magnificent home sitting in the cornfield. Reading about Towanda Meadows or as also known (from research) William R. Duncan House, made me feel like I was a kid again, running up the spiral staircase, skipping through the 20 rooms and looking out each and every window. Ah the jubilance any and everyone must have felt while residing in this gracious home. I can’t wait to take a vacation and see how close one may get to this place.
I did call the Normal/Bloomington Library and was told someone is restoring it, not sure if a Bed & Breakfast or just major restoration back to what it was. At any rate… I’m so eager to “get inside”.