This Mount Pleasant Italiante style home was built by James Harlan on the edge of the Iowa Wesleyan College campus and was completed in 1872. Harlan was the first Republican Senator from the State of Iowa and he became a close friend of Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln’s son Robert married Harlan’s daughter Mary. Robert, Mary, and their three children spent much time visiting in Mt. Pleasant during the next thirty years.
The Harlen House has been refurbished to the original style with the wonderful wrap around front porch and beautiful yellow painted exterior.
The Harlen House is collecting and displaying items that tell the story of the connection between the Harlen’s and the Lincolns including pictures, letters and collectibles.
The Harlen House is available for tours by contacting Iowa Wesleyan College and requesting a tour time. There is no charge for the tour, but donations are always welcome.
Mt. Plasant, Iowa
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