History
The home was built in 1858 for Brigadier General Edward Kirk. Kirk died in the civil war. The Dillon's bought the home in 1882. Washington Dillon had the Northwest Barb Wire Co. His son, P.W. Dillon, eventually took over the mill and it became Northwestern Steel and Wire Company. P.W. was born in the house, and he died in the house in 1980 at the age of 96. The cities of Sterling and Rock Falls were built up around the mill because of the job opportunities. The 1929 Baldwin Locomotive that sits in the rear grounds was the last working steam engine in the United States to be used in an industrial application. Mr. Dillon loved his trains, so when the Baldwin was decommissioned in 1980, it was brought to the home. Mrs. Dillon traveled extensively and the home is filled with treasures from around the country, and the world. It is untouched from the day Mr. Dillon passed in 1980, and very impressive. The furnishings date from the late 1800's to the mid-1900's, and are all original.
Specialties
The Dillon Home was built in 1858, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Open for tours of the historic furnishings, and available for weddings, this Italianate-style villa is a wonderful stop for any tourist or local! We are also available for school/senior tours, so please give us a call and we can help arrange a field trip!