Erastus D. Hardin House
This house, one of the earliest on High Street, was built for Mr. Erastus D. Hardin about 1859. Hte Hardins, a socially prominent and active family occupied the hosue until 1904, a period of about 45 years.
Upon his arrival in Peoria in 1857, Mr. Hardin was associated as a partner in the private banking firm of S. Pulsifer & Co. After the liquidation of the bank about 1878, Mr. Hardin entered the real estate business.
The design of the house is influenced by the French Second Empire style, a style just coming into fashion in the United States at the time. The style is best characterized by the use of the mansard roof and the pavilion or tower. The two story portico in front is a later addition.
The Hardin House is listed on the Illinois Historic Structures Survey and has been designated a significant structure in the West Bluff Historic District.