275 N. Main Street
Waterloo, Illinois
618-939-4222

The history of the Peterson House dates back to the early 1800s. The land that the house is on was part of a Kaskaskia Land Grant claim and was bought in 1817 by Enoch Moore for a payment of $4.00 in back taxes. Although it is not known exactly when the house was first constructed, it is known that the original portion was built after Moore acquired the property. Analysis of the construction techniques of the windows, nine panes over six panes, dates the house to somewhere between 1815 and the 1830s.

Originally the Peterstown House was used as a general store, tavern, and inn for stagecoach travelers on the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail. Like many homes of its age the building has had additions made to it until it reached its present size. Uses for the building also underwent changes. The second floor became a theater and ballroom with a stage for the musicians or actors and in later years, the second floor was used as apartments. The house was scheduled to be demolished but was bought by the Peterstown Heritage Society who restored the house. The Peterstown House is the only remaining stagecoach stop still intact along the 60-mile Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

The Peterstown Heritage Society operates a museum in the house. On display are exhibits featuring antique furniture and artifacts of the mid-1880s as well as a number of other pieces from a variety of different eras. The original room is laid out as a early 18th century country store and the walls have been revealed to show the original construction methods. Two log cabins, both over 100 years old, have been relocated to the property.

Visiting the Peterson House
Visiting Hours
Saturday - Sunday: 1 pm - 4 pm or by appointment
There is no charge to visit the Peterson House , although donations are appreciated.