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Francis Costigan completed this masterpiece of design on a small lot in 1851. He incorporated space-saving features such as a sliding pocket front door, a postage-stamp-sized entry, and a unique step-ladder staircase to create a 32’ x 16’ parlor. Costigan, who designed the Lanier Mansion and the Shrewsbury House, is considered Indiana’s leading pre-Civil War architect and master builder.
Francis Costigan completed this masterpiece of design on a small lot in 1851. He incorporated space-saving features such as a sliding pocket front door, a postage-stamp-sized entry, and a unique step-ladder staircase to create a 32’ x 16’ parlor. Costigan, who designed the Lanier Mansion and the Shrewsbury House, is considered Indiana’s leading pre-Civil War architect and master builder.
The Costigan House is closed for the season. Public tours will resume
The Costigan House is closed for the season. Public tours will resume
in April 2026.
in April 2026.
All tours of this historic site are guided. Tour availability varies by time of year.
All tours of this historic site are guided. Tour availability varies by time of year.
Inquiries about group tours and costs should be made by calling (812) 265-2967 or emailing hmi@historicmadisoninc.com
Inquiries about group tours and costs should be made by calling (812) 265-2967 or emailing hmi@historicmadisoninc.com
Address: 408 W. Third St.
Want to take a tour? Here's what you need to know!
Want to take a tour? Here's what you need to know!
Public tours happen at a specific time on specific days. You can find the schedule of all our tours on the Calendar of Events page.
To join a tour, you do not need a reservation.
Meet at Costigan House a few minutes before the tour begins. You'll be greeted by a guide and an HMI staff person who will collect the fee for the tour.
Public tours are $10 for adults of all ages. HMI members, students, and kids are always FREE. We accept cash and debit/credit cards.
All tours are guided tours.
A tour typically lasts approximately 45-60 minutes.
The site is not open beyond the tour time unless there is a special open house or other event.
A public tour includes access to the first and second floors.
Stairs are required.
Groups of 8 or more should schedule a group tour by calling the HMI Office at 812-265-2967.
For all other questions, please call the HMI Office or email us at hmi@historicmadisoninc.com.
Who Was Francis Costigan?
Who Was Francis Costigan?
Francis Costigan was born on March 4, 1810, in Washington, D.C., and spent his early years in Baltimore and Philadelphia. He trained as a carpenter in Baltimore and was listed as a builder in the city directory by 1835, the same year he married his wife, Eliza C. Taylor. In 1837, Costigan and his wife moved to Madison, Indiana, where they had three children: Frank, Sarah (Sallie), and Theodore.
Costigan established himself in Madison during a period of growth. By 1850, he was listed in the census as a carpenter with $10,000 in real estate. Shortly afterward, the family relocated to Indianapolis, where Costigan became one of the city’s earliest professional architects. By 1855, he was listed in the Indianapolis city directory both as an architect and as proprietor of the Oriental House hotel. Over the next decade, he continued to work as an architect, eventually focusing solely on design.
Francis Costigan died of tuberculosis on April 18, 1865, just three days after President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Because of this, an obituary has never been found; only a death notice marks the end of his life. His funeral was held at the Oriental House in Indianapolis, and he was initially buried at Greenlawn Cemetery before being moved to Crown Hill Cemetery in 1866 as part of the Costigan Family plot.
Explore the Costigan House on Instagram
Explore the Costigan House on Instagram
Stay connected with HMI
Stay connected with HMI
Historic Madison, Inc.
301 West Second Street
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 265-2967
hmi@historicmadisoninc.com
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