William Watson Hotel (Mansion House)

Built circa 1838

The hotel was built by William Watson, one of the first settlers in Pittsfield. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas would gather in the lobby when they were in town. Later Watson would sell the hotel to Joel Pennington whose son Goyn became friends with John G. Nicolay. The hotel was a highly active place. Rooms above with retail space below. By the late 1800s one could find lodging, a barber shop, blacksmith, and tack shops.

You can proceed the Pike County Courthouse by simply crossing Washington St onto the courthouse square.