The mansion was built in 1842 in a Greek revival style; it was to be the dream home of John Crenshaw, his wife Sina and their 5 children. But not only was it to be a family home where they would live a privileged live, it was also built to house slaves in the attics where there was 12 tiny rooms with thickened walls. At the time in Illinois it was illegal to own or sell slaves, but you could lease them from other places. John owned salt mines and was a wealthy business man and he used the slaves to work in them. But soon instead of leasing them, he would kidnap them and also would ‘breed’ them and sell them on in places where it was allowed. He had a carriage way which led straight into the back of the house and then they would go up a staircase where they would then be put in the attic, where they would be shackled to the floor. It became a place of torture, rape, suffering, birth and death. A pregnant slave or one with a child would fetch more money. In 1842 John was arrested for selling freed blacks into slavery but was found not guilty. The real truth was not found out until they had both died (1871 and 1881). It became one of the greatest scandals in Illinois. The house became a home to the Sisk’s and they opened it as a museum but it was closed down because they could not keep it going. Since 1996 it as been on going to find away of once again opening it up to the public. It is guarded by a policeman to try and keep the place safe.

Due to what went on in the attic there are many angry spirits hanging around especially in the attic, lots of strange noises have been heard, the sound of whimpering, cries and clanking of chains. People who dare go there feel uneasy and it is as if they are being watched.