Welcome to Fairview, a site rich in history and political significance, nestled in the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska. This historic house museum, also known as the William Jennings Bryan House, offers a glimpse into the life of one of the most prominent figures in American politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The story of Fairview begins in 1902, when William Jennings Bryan, an influential orator, and his wife, Mary Baird Bryan, decided to build a new home in Lincoln. Bryan, a three-time Democratic presidential nominee and former U.S. Secretary of State, was an eloquent speaker who captured the nation’s attention with his famous ‘Cross of Gold’ speech in 1896. The house was designed by local architect Artemus A. Roberts, and its architectural style is a harmonious blend of Classical Revival and Queen Anne Victorian.
Fairview quickly became more than just a residence for the Bryans. It was a hub of political activity where Bryan hosted gatherings and discussions with numerous political figures, including Woodrow Wilson, who visited during his 1912 presidential campaign. The house’s strategic location on a hill offered a beautiful view of Lincoln, which inspired its name, Fairview.
In 1921, recognizing the importance of community service, Bryan donated Fairview and its surrounding land to the Nebraska Methodist Conference for use as a hospital. Today, the house is part of the Bryan Health campus, which has grown around it, obscuring the original ‘fair view.’ Despite this, Fairview stands as a National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a chance to explore the ground floor museum dedicated to Bryan’s life and legacy.
As you walk through Fairview, imagine the many conversations and decisions that took place within these walls—decisions that shaped not only Nebraska but also the nation. From its role as a private residence to a public museum, Fairview continues to be an enduring piece of Nebraska’s history.
