Peirce Mansion

This was one of the first landmarks I remember seeing upon moving to Sioux City in 2007. My first apartment was on Jackson Street four blocks down from the Peirce Mansion, and every Spring and Summer I took many neighborhood walks up and down this historic residential area.

former location of the sioux city public museum

I also remember the Sioux City Public Museum being located here. There was always a large A-frame sidewalk sign out front with the word “Open” printed on it inviting tourists, photographers, locals and sightseers to make their visit.

why isn’t the peirce mansion on pierce street?

Surprisingly many locals I’ve spoken with wonder why the Peirce Mansion is on Jackson Street, and not on Pierce Street. The answer? The Peirce Mansion was named after John Peirce, a wealthy businessman who built his family home here. While Pierce Street is named after our 14^th President, Franklin Pierce.

magnificent residence

John Peirce built this 23-room house in 1890 for the cost of $80,000. In today’s money that would be $2,223,000! What a statement piece this was, and still is. No other home in Sioux City comes close to this ostentatious dwelling.

Built out of South Dakota quartzite, this house also boasts elaborate woodworking, and showcases Peirce’s one-time wealth. Living in this home for only two years, Peirce moved his family to Seattle in 1893, but not after leaving behind some raised eyebrows with his shocking secret.

so scandalous!

During the economic downfall of 1893, Peirce knew he needed to save what wealth he still had. Conducting a national raffle, Peirce sold 40,000 raffle tickets, at $1.00 a piece. However, he held a secret, he had already transferred the title over to William Barbour, a New York millionaire, to whom Peirce owed money.

So, if you’re following me, Peirce had already “sold” his home to Barbour without the public’s knowledge, held a “drawing” and pocketed the money from selling raffle tickets, and finally skipped town, moving to Seattle. He carefully orchestrated a fixed lottery. How scandalous!

from a private residence to a sioux city staple

After changing hands multiple times, and remaining vacant for a few years during the 1920s, the mansion was eventually purchased by the Junior League of Sioux City in 1959, donated back to the city of Sioux City to be used as a cultural building.

Finally, in 1961, the Sioux City Public Museum opened its doors to the public, bringing life back to this iconic and historical landmark.

After remaining at the Peirce Mansion for 50 years, the Sioux City Public Museum was moved to its current downtown location on the corner of 4^th and Nebraska. Leaving the Peirce Mansion vacant once again. However, now it serves a different purpose.

You can read more detailed information on who lived and owned the Peirce Mansion throughout the years by visiting the Sioux City History website: http://www.siouxcityhistory.org/historic-sites/104-the-peirce-mansion

the peirce mansion today

Today the Peirce Mansion is being carefully maintained and preserved by the Sioux City Public Museum. No longer open daily, it can be rented out for weddings, family reunions, graduation parties, Red Hat Society meetings, and much more.

attending an open house

The Peirce Mansion comes alive every three to four months with its quarterly open house tours. Upon realizing they would be hosting one such event this summer, I knew this was my chance to take all the pictures I wanted inside and out. Thus, granting me the opportunity to write about this beautiful and sensational residence.

seeing is believing

Driving past this immense structure, you get a brief glimpse at its size, but when you are actually walking up to its front steps, and onto the porch, you realize how magnificent this home truly is. Every visit I make, I always feel a deep appreciation for its commanding presence it emits.

equally beautiful inside

Walking through the double doors and into the foyer, you are immediately greeted by the main staircase. Winding up the three stories, and hand carved with such detail, it is indeed one of the central focal points of the Peirce Mansion.

Off to the right, is the library, with a large portrait of John Peirce himself hanging above the fireplace. And to the left, the main floor gathering room with 10-foot tall ceilings.

In the rear of the house is the kitchen, where there are shelves in two corners displaying antique chinaware.

The Master bedroom, “bride’s room”, a nursery, and John Peirce’s study are on the second level.

the third floor ballroom

The maid’s quarters and the grand ballroom are on the third level. In 2011, I remember going on a tour of the mansion during the Christmas Tour of Homes with my now husband, and once we got up to the ballroom, we performed an impromptu dance across the creaking hardwood floors. Oh, how thrilling it must have been to attend a traditional ball here in 1892.

all about the details

Victorian rugs, loud wallpaper, intricately designed woodworking throughout the house, and stained-glass windows. John Peirce wanted to make a statement with his estate, and that he did.

Plan your visit

Today, the Peirce Mansion is open to the public during its quarterly open house events. As stated before, it is available for rent, and if you are interested please contact the Peirce Mansion via:

Phone: 712-279-6174
Email: scpm@sioux-city.org

You can read more on rental information here: http://www.siouxcitymuseum.org/rental-information.

Also provided are links to
John Peirce: http://www.siouxcityhistory.org/notable-people/30-john-peirce
Peirce Mansion: http://www.siouxcityhistory.org/historic-sites/104-the-peirce-mansion

Finally, keep up to date with upcoming events at the mansion via their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PeirceMansion/.

Located at
2901 Jackson Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51104