WALLACE HOUSE CASTLE


I received E-Mail that said:

The Wallace house was originally built at 3218 Gladstone Blvd. It was moved in 1908 one block north to 3200 Norledge to make room for the R A Long mansion which is now the Kansas city Museum. Judge William Hockaday Wallace had the house built sometime before 1890. It looked nothing like a Castle at that time but when it was renovated after the move in 1908 they had the entire exterior covered with cut stone, giving the place the appearance of a Castle.

Judge Wallace first practiced law in Independence and became a resident of Kansas city in 1880 and in that year was elected prosecuting attorney for Jackson county. A lot of credit goes to Judge Wallace for bringing to punishment the James boys of Missouri and crushing out the band of outlaws who were bringing terror into every community of this part of the country. He was appointed judge by Governor Folk, April 2, 1907.

Later, I received E-Mail that said:

I can shed some light on the Wallace castle. This home is in my neighborhood. The city once owned it and was the administrative offices of the Kansas City Museum (RA Long's residence). However, with budget constrictions and the large amount of money needed for its upkeep, it was put up for auction for public bid ($150,000 minimum bid price). It sold "as is" and now once again it is a private residence. The view of the Kansas City sky line is striking. They have done a lot of work so far and the restoration continues. It also overlooks the forestry view of Cliff drive.

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Photo and information courtesy of Dale Castle.