Property Record
189 E CHESTNUT ST
Architecture and History Inventory
Historic Name: | MEINHARDT BANK |
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Other Name: | BURLINGTON MARINE BANK |
Contributing: | Yes |
Reference Number: | 10618 |
Location (Address): | 189 E CHESTNUT ST |
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County: | Racine |
City: | Burlington |
Township/Village: | |
Unincorporated Community: | |
Town: | |
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Year Built: | 1848 |
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Additions: | C. 1947 |
Survey Date: | 1975 |
Historic Use: | bank/financial institution |
Architectural Style: | Federal |
Structural System: | |
Wall Material: | Brick |
Architect: | Caleb P. Barns |
Other Buildings On Site: | |
Demolished?: | No |
Demolished Date: |
National/State Register Listing Name: | Burlington Downtown Historic District |
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National Register Listing Date: | 6/2/2000 |
State Register Listing Date: | 10/22/1999 |
National Register Multiple Property Name: |
Additional Information: | SAID TO BE OLDEST BANK BUILDING IN RACINE CO. EXTENSIVELY ALTERED. STONE QUOINS. HABS WI-131. This building is now operating as a Chase Bank. Dr. Edward G. Dyer, at one time, had an office on the second floor. The building, known as the Meinhardt Bank from 1891-1970, was erected around 1847 by Caleb P. Barns, a lawyer and banker who was also an abolitionist and friend of Dr. Dyer's. While some stories have linked the building with the Underground Railroad and with Caroline Quarll's escape, it was not built until several years after her flight. No information has been found that other fugitives were hidden there; and a 1954 history of the Meinhardt Bank made no mention of the building's being an Underground Railroad stop. |
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Bibliographic References: | The Underground Railroad in Burlington and Vicinity, Racine Historical Society, 2002, p. 15. BUR SPUR OF WISCONSIN'S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, BROCHURE. |
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |