The Historic William Jennings Bryan House Is An Underrated Historical Gem In Nebraska
By Delana Lefevers|Published January 06, 2021
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Bryan is a name you hear often in Nebraska, particularly in the eastern part. It’s on hospitals, schools, historical places, and more. It’s all thanks to William Jennings Bryan, the famed Nebraska orator and politician. He made quite an impact on the country and on the state, and you can visit his former home in Lincoln.
Bryan was born and raised in Illinois before moving to Nebraska in his 20s.
While here, he established a successful law practice and got involved with local politics. Being a naturally gifted orator, Bryan campaigned for several politicians before becoming an elected congressman himself in 1890. He later went on to become the 41st U.S. Secretary of State from 1913-1915. He also unsuccessfully ran for the office of President three times.
Bryan and his wife, Mary Baird Bryan, built a beautiful home in Lincoln in 1902. They named it Fairview thanks to the lovely view it afforded of the surrounding Lincoln landscape.
The home was designed by local architect Artemus A. Roberts. Architecture enthusiasts will note that the home displays elements from both Queen Anne Victorian and Classic Revival styles.
Bryan donated the house and 10 acres of land to the Nebraska Methodist Conference in 1922 to be used as a hospital. Bryan Health now surrounds the house, ironically blocking the lovely view that Jennings so enjoyed.
For a while, the house served as student housing for the newly-established Bryan School of Nursing. Fairview was then declared a National Historic Landmark in 1963.
The first floor of Fairview is now a museum that's open to the public. The objects inside represent the influential politician's life and work. The home was restored inside and out in 1994 to the way it would have looked in Bryan's time.
Learn more about Fairview from the Lincoln Convention and Visitor Bureau. You can schedule a docent-led tour – or simply find out more about the home and its history – by calling 402-481-3032. Please note that availability may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Have you ever visited Fairview? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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