Vaile Mansion
Upon its completion in 1888, the Kansas City Times described it as “the most princely house and the most comfortable home in the entire west.”
Vaile Mansion
1500 N Liberty St, Independence, MO 64050 (Map)
Built: 1881
Architect/Style: Asa Beebe Cross // Second Empire
Area: Independence
The Vaile Mansion, located at 1500 North Liberty Street in Independence, Missouri, is one of the finest examples of Second Empire architecture in the United States. Built in 1881 for businessman and politician Colonel Harvey M. Vaile, the mansion was designed by Kansas City architect Asa Beebe Cross.
The three-story structure features a grand central tower, hand-pressed red brick, limestone moldings, and elaborate Victorian detailing. Upon its completion, the Kansas City Times described it as “the most princely house and the most comfortable home in the entire west.” The mansion originally sat on a sprawling 630-acre estate, which included a vineyard, apple orchard, and a wine cellar capable of holding 48,000 gallons.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to KC Yesterday Scavenger Hunt to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.