Just like every other state, Minnesota has been home to more than a few tragic events. Disasters, both natural and manmade, have struck here just as they have elsewhere. While it is convenient to forget about places with a deadly history, it may be better to remember.
Today we'll work on remembering Glensheen Historic Estate, better known as Glensheen Mansion. There are certainly other tragic places in Minnesota, but few have captured the imagination as much as Glensheen. Thousands have toured it since it opened as a museum in 1979. Most have at least heard rumors of its dark past, but today we will bring them to light for those who don't know.
This beautiful mansion was built between 1905 and 1908.
It was the family home of Chester Adgate Congdon.
Glensheen has 39 rooms total and sits on over 7 acres of land.
Each room is ornately decorated, and not much has changed over the years. In fact, much of the furniture has been in the same spot for a century.
Outside, a carriage house, gardener's cottage, and boathouse sit on the property.
And the mansion has an uninterrupted view of Lake Superior.
But beyond the gorgeous architecture, there lies a dark history.
In 1950, Chester's daughter Elisabeth Congdon inherited the mansion. There she lived until 1977, when she and her nurse, Velma Pietila, were found murdered inside the home.
The tragedy raised suspicions around Elisabeth's daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie and Roger. Days before her death, Elisabeth had signed paperwork to leave a large sum of her fortune to Roger.
Roger was eventually found guilty of murder and sentenced to two life sentences. Marjorie was acquitted of all charges.
For a long time after the events in 1977, Glensheen tour guides were not permitted to discuss the murders with guests.
The rules have changed since then, and guests are permitted to ask questions on tours.
Despite its dark history, Glensheen is a Duluth icon. The tragedy that happened there grows dimmer each day that new people discover its beauty.
Have you ever toured Glensheen Mansion? If you love history, take a peek at this list of 12 must-see historical landmarks in Minnesota.
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