Van Horn Mansion, Niagara Falls

This stately brick mansion was built in 1823 by James Van Horn, who had built the first gristmill in Newfane in 1811. The mansion has been owned by the Newfane Historical Society since 1987; the organization has been responsible for restoring the home to its original grandeur. Many interesting tales are associated with the mansion, which was rumored to be an Underground Railroad stop. Some believe that the ghost of Malinda Van Horn, who died in childbirth, once roamed the grounds, until her unmarked gave was eventually found. Costumed docents offer tours of the mansion Sunday afternoons. The mansion is also available for rental for special occasions. Candlelight tours are held in October and a Victorian holiday tour takes place in November. The mansion is closed in January. -Christine A. Smyczynski

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