The History of Mansion 1886, a Historic Venue
in New Albany, Indiana
A legacy of elegance, and a story that began with love.
A Wedding Gift That Became A Landmark
In April 1886, Samuel Culbertson married Louise Craig. After an extended honeymoon in Europe, the newlyweds returned home to a magnificent mansion at 904 East Main Street in New Albany, a custom-built wedding gift from Samuel's father, William Culbertson, one of Indiana's wealthiest men of the era.
Crafted in the opulent Queen Anne style, the home reflected the family's stature and refined taste, with intricate woodwork, towering windows, and elegant architectural details that remain to this day. At more than 16,000 square feet, with six bedrooms and expansive entertaining spaces, it was built for a life of hospitality and prestige.
From 1886 to 1896, the mansion was the private residence of Samuel and Louise and a gathering place for New Albany's elite, a tangible symbol of love, stability, and the enduring Culbertson legacy.
A Building With Many Lives
Over more than a century, the mansion has worn many roles while preserving the essence of its storied past:
1896
Dr. John Hazlewood purchased the property and transformed it into an eye clinic and personal residence, closing its chapter as a private family home.
1939
The Manzanita Tribe Number 276, Improved Order of Red Men, a fraternal organization, acquired the building and made it a social gathering space, later adding a large recreation hall in 1950.
2004
The property became Culbertson West, an event venue that hosted countless weddings, galas, and celebrations.
2020
The venue was renamed Mansion 1886, in honor of the year it was built.
Through each era, the building remained what it had always been at heart: a place where people came together.
A New Chapter, Carefully Written
Today, the mansion has been thoughtfully restored and reopened as Mansion 1886. The ballroom has been brought back to life with a beautifully finished ceiling, the spaces have been refined for modern events, and original elements like the grand pocket doors, crystal chandeliers, and intricate woodwork have been carefully preserved.
The result is a seamless blend of historic beauty and modern comfort, a place where the past is honored and every new event becomes part of the mansion's continuing story.
Where The Past Meets Your Future
As guests walk up the limestone steps and through the towering doors, they step into a space that has welcomed families, dreamers, and celebrations for generations. Mansion 1886 is more than an event venue. It is a living piece of history, and now it's time to write your own chapter in its story.
Learn more about the venue today on our About Mansion 1886 page, or come experience it for yourself.
A Glimpse Inside Mansion 1886
Become Part Of The Story
Every celebration at Mansion 1886 adds to more than a century of gatherings within these walls. Tour the space, picture your event in it, and let our team help you make it unforgettable.
Send us your details and we'll reply with your date's availability and pricing.
See the space in person. Pick a time to walk through with our team.