The Story of Vaile Mansion
Vaile Mansion is an elegant 31 room house considered one of the best examples of victorian architecture found in the United States. It was designed in Second Empire Style by Kansas City architect Asa Cross for local businessman Harvey Merrick Vaile. The Vaile Mansion was completed in 1881 at a cost of $150,000, equivalent to about $4 million today. In addition to the main house, the estate included a carriage house, lake, arbors, fountains, wine cellar and a greenhouse. It also included gas and waterworks features which were innovative for that time.
Harvey Vaile was an entrepreneur who built his fortune investing in projects including the construction of the Erie Canal. He was a part owner and operator of Star Mail Routes, offering contract mail delivery services for the U.S. Postal Service. Vaile was a staunch abolitionist and among the founders of the Republican Party in Jackson County.
Vaile built the Vaile Mansion as an outward expression of his wealth and it quickly assumed center stage in the social life of the area. The Vailes frequently entertained leading public figures, including Congressmen and Senators.
Following Vaile’s death in 1894, the home was used as a women’s college, an inn, a private asylum and sanitarium, a mineral water company, and a nursing home before being acquired by the city of Independence Missouri in 1983.
The Vaile Mansion has been lovingly restored and is now operated as a museum by the Vaile Victorian Society.
Vaile Mansion Honors
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Independence Historic Landmark
Heritage Commission Distinguished Service Award
Vaile Mansion has been covered by:
Victorian Homes Magazine
USA Today Christmas Castle
HGTV Christmas Across America
National Geographic Guide to America’s Great Houses
A&E Television Network America’s Castles
Country Victorian Christmas Magazine
Vaile Mansion Museum Details
Address
1500 North Liberty Street
Independence, Missouri 64050
Telephone
+1 (816) 325-7430
Hours
Spring and Summer Hours
April through October
Monday-Saturday 10:00-16:00
Sunday 13:00-16:00
Closed for Decorating
1 November-Thanksgiving
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving-30 December
(Closed 23-25 December)
Monday-Saturday 10:00-16:00
Sunday 13:00-16:00
No Senior Discount during Christmas Tours
Admission
Adults $6.00
Children/Students $3.00
Seniors/Groups $5.00
Annual Events at the Vaile Mansion
The Vaile Mansion celebrates the following regular events each year:
Vaile Mansion Strawberry Festival Annually on the 1st Saturday in June. Featuring craft vendors, antique dealers, and strawberry treats.
Christmas Open House See the mansion decked out for the holidays. For the holiday season. Call for details.
Spring Tea/Vintage Fashion Show An elegant tea party spread throughout the house. Informal modeling of vintage fashions, live music. Held the last Saturday in March. Call for details.
Unveiling of the Vaile A spring event held on April 1st. Call for details.
For more events, visit the Vaile Mansion events page online.
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