The Cragun House, located at 404 West Main Street in Lebanon, is owned and maintained by the Boone County Historical Society, and serves as the headquarters for the Society. With most of it’s original furnishings, as well as other donated items of the period, the Cragun House is not only an elegant old home, it is a living history museum.
The home is available for tours and to use for events. It has been used for business meetings, civic group meetings, weddings, wedding and baby showers, Christmas parties, and recitals. Filled with Victorian charm and ambience, the Cragun House is simply beautiful, and is perfect for many occasions. Imagine your event in this elegant setting. The house can comfortably accomodate groups up to 30 persons.
To learn more about touring the house and booking information, please call 765-483-9414. Your call will be returned promptly.
To view and print the usage contract: BCHS – Cragun House Contract (word)
Note: Boone County Historical Society members receive a 10% discount. To learn more about becoming a member, click on “Membership” in the menu bar.
The Cragun House construction was completed in 1893, by Strange Nathaniel Cragun. Born in Boone County in 1857, Strange left Boone County for a short time as a young adult, but returned in 1881 to begin a career in education. He served as principal of Whitestown, Zionsville, and Lebanon schools. In 1891, he purchased a local newspaper, the Lebanon Patriot (later to become the Lebanon Reporter), and began a long careeer as a Boone County business and civic leader. Read more about the Cragun family in our Genealogy section.
This magnificent Victorian lady remained in the Cragun family until being donated to the Boone County Historical Society in 1988, and has been extensively restored over the ensuing years. The home contains it’s original gas lights (non-operative now, but gorgeous), family photos, the family’s piano, beautifully restored woodwork, fireplaces, and gingerbread decoration, clothing, lady’s hats, uniforms, linens and bedding, as well as most of it’s original furniture. The Cragun family traveled the world, and many of their exotic souvenirs are on display. When you walk into the home, you are entering the Victorian age, exactly as it would have looked in that time.
Please come to Lebanon and enjoy our crown jewel. And while you’re in Boone County, be sure to visit our many other historic sites as well.