Glensheen Historic Estate

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Lake side view of Glensheen.

The Glensheen Historic Estate is a historic mansion on Lake Superior owned by the University of Minnesota Duluth. Glensheen sits on 7.6 acres of lake front property, has 38 rooms and is built in the Jacobean architectural tradition, inspired by the Beaux Arts styles of the era. The mansion was constructed as the family home of Chester Adgate Congdon. The building was designed by Minnesota architect Clarence H. Johnston, with interiors designed by William French and the formal terraced garden and English style landscape designed by the Charles W. Leavitt firm out of New York. Construction began in 1905, and completed in 1908.

Stylistically, Glensheen is a mixture of late Victorian tradition and more 'contemporary' art nouveau. Congdons hid symbols throughout the house such as the pineapple, as a symbol of welcome, and the pomegranate. These can be seen in the woodwork and furnishings as one tours the house. Other touches such as color schemes that vary from room to room, and double-sided woodwork in the pocket doors (one side of the door matches the woodwork in one room, the other matches the woodwork in the adjacent room) illustrate the mansion's attention to detail.

In 1968, the estate was given to the University of Minnesota, Duluth, which operates Gleensheen to this day. At the time, Elisabeth Congdon (youngest daughter of Chester Congdon) was given a life estate, allowing her to occupy Glensheen until her death. It opened to the public in 1979. For years, the third floor and attic were closed to the public due to safety concerns over limited access. However, in 1992, both areas were opened to small group tours. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Aside from its architectural significance, Glensheen was the site of the murders of heiress Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse, Velma Pietila, on June 27, 1977. Roger Caldwell, the second husband of Congdon's adopted daughter, Marjorie, was charged with the crimes, convicted on two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to two life sentences. Marjorie was charged with aiding and abetting and conspiracy to commit murder, but she was acquitted on all charges. Caldwell's conviction was overturned by the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1982. He was set to be retried, but pled guilty, submitted a full confession, and was later released from prison.