Branson House B&B

This large frame Eastlake Victorian, circa 1876, house stands at the top of what is known as "Brahm's Hill", and is located where once stood the home of Dr. and Mrs. John Allen, friends of Abraham Lincoln who moved to Petersburg from New Salem. A two-storied square pillared porch extends to the roof line. Behind the imposing facade lie an equally imposing series of rooms. This house boasts seven marble fireplaces, four downstairs and three in upstairs bedrooms, plus a magnificent wood sculptured fireplace in the main entry hallway. In the early 1950's an elevator was installed for effortless access to the second floor bedrooms. The house has been updated with central air and heating throughout.

Branson House B&B features four guest rooms on the 2nd floor with queen size beds, private baths with hair dryers, and elevator access . The entire house has central heat and air. All rooms feature free wireless Internet access, cable TV, VCR/DVD, HBO, Encore and Cinemax. VCR and DVD movies are available free of charge.

A full breakfast is served in the main dining room from 8:00 to 10:00, and early morning coffee is available in the Butler's Pantry. Please let us know if you need a time to better fit your plans. In the hallway of the second floor you will find a microwave, popcorn, and a mini fridge stocked with soft drinks and bottled water.

Visit Where Lincoln spent his young adulthood... only a scenic 5 minute drive away!

This large frame "Eastlake Victorian" home, built in 1876, stands at the top of what is known as "Brahm's Hill", and is located where once stood the home of Dr. and Mrs. John Allen, friends of Abraham Lincoln, who moved to Petersburg from New Salem. A two-story square pillared porch extends to the roof line. Behind the imposing facade lie an equally imposing series of rooms. This house boasts seven marble fireplaces, four downstairs and three in upstairs bedrooms plus a magnificent wood sculptured fireplace in the main entry hallway.
In the early 1950's an elevator was installed for effortless access to the second floor bedrooms. The house has been updated with central air and heating throughout.

The Honorable Nathaniel W. Branson, the builder of this beautiful home, was a native of Jacksonville, Illinois. Mr. Branson graduated from Illinois College in 1857 where he studied law and was admitted to the bar three years later. He came to Petersburg in 1860 where he met and married Miss Frances (Fanny) Regnier, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Francis Regnier, from Petersburg, and former residents of New Salem. Mr. Branson was twice elected a member of the Illinois State Legislature and in 1876 was a delegate to the National Convention in Cincinnati which nominated Hayes and Wheeler for the presidency.

• Lincoln's New Salem - (Lincolns young adulthood home - 5 minutes away!)
• Lincoln's Tomb - (Oak Ridge Cemetary)
• Lincoln's Home - (Springfield, Ill. Prior to his presidency)
• Lincoln Presidential Library-Museum - (Don't miss this, just minutes away in Springfield) 
• "Country Hills Golf Course" - Greenview - (East of Petersburg - Go North on Tice Rd) 
• "Shambolee Golf Club" - Petersburg - (2 miles South of Petersburg) 
• Dana Thomas House - (Springfield, IL---Best preserved Frank Lloyd Wright House)
• Hill Prairie Winery - (Oakford, IL - 10 minutes away)
• Jim Edgars "Panther Creek"- (State Fish & Wildlife Area) 
• Illinois State Fair - (Just minutes away in Springfield) 
• Theatre in the Park - (Lincoln's New Salem, Petersburg, Ill. Drama, Comedy, Dance, Music)
• Knights Action Park - (Springfield, Ill - 25 minutes away)

Due to size of Branson House B&B, we can accomodate small weddings only (Less than 35 people).