General Lew Wallace Study & Museum

General Wallace was never an atheist. According to his Autobiography, published posthumously in 1907, he wrote that he was raised in the Christian tradition but wasn’t a devout follower: “At that time, speaking candidly, I was not in the least influenced by religious sentiment. I had no convictions about God or Christ. I neither believed nor disbelieved in them.”….

It was a chance train ride with Capt. Robert Ingersol that solidified Wallace’s desire to closely examine the life of Jesus….

Lew Wallace: Atheist?

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The General Lew Wallace Study & Museum in Crawfordsville, Indiana, preserves the legacy of one of the most versatile and accomplished figures in nineteenth-century American life, Lew Wallace. Best known as the author of the novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, Wallace also served as a Union general during the Civil War, a lawyer, a diplomat, and a public servant. The museum, centered on his historic study, offers a unique glimpse into both his personal life and his wide-ranging career.

The focal point of the museum is Wallace’s study building, an unusual and highly personal structure that he designed himself in the late 1870s. Located on the grounds of his Crawfordsville home, the study is distinct from the main house and reflects Wallace’s desire for a quiet, dedicated space for reading, writing, and reflection. Architecturally, the building combines elements of various styles, including Byzantine and Moorish influences, giving it a distinctive and somewhat exotic appearance. This design reflects Wallace’s broad interests and creative personality.

It was within this study that Wallace completed Ben-Hur, a historical novel set in the time of Jesus Christ. Published in 1880, the book became one of the best-selling American novels of the nineteenth century and remained widely popular for decades. Its success brought Wallace national and international recognition, establishing him not only as a military figure but also as a literary figure of lasting importance.

The museum preserves the study largely as it appeared during Wallace’s lifetime. Visitors can see original furnishings, personal artifacts, and memorabilia that provide insight into his daily routines and intellectual pursuits. The room contains books, artwork, and objects collected during his travels, including items from his time as U.S. minister to the Ottoman Empire. These artifacts reflect both his curiosity about the wider world and his engagement with different cultures.

In addition to the study itself, the museum complex includes exhibits that explore Wallace’s broader life and achievements. His military career is examined in detail, including his service as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Wallace played a role in several key engagements, and while his military record has been the subject of both praise and criticism, it remains an important part of his historical legacy.

The museum also highlights Wallace’s contributions to public service. After the war, he served as governor of the New Mexico Territory, where he was involved in efforts to bring stability to a region marked by conflict and lawlessness. His later diplomatic service in the Ottoman Empire further illustrates the breadth of his career and his involvement in international affairs.

Educational programs and events are an important part of the museum’s mission. Through guided tours, lectures, and community activities, the institution seeks to make Wallace’s life accessible and relevant to modern audiences. It serves not only as a site of preservation but also as a center for learning about American history, literature, and culture.

The legacy of the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum lies in its ability to bring together the many facets of Wallace’s life into a coherent and engaging narrative. It reminds visitors that individuals of the past often led complex and multifaceted lives, contributing to society in a variety of ways.

In conclusion, the museum stands as a tribute to Lew Wallace’s enduring impact as a soldier, writer, and public servant. By preserving his study and interpreting his life, it offers a valuable window into the character and achievements of a man whose influence extended across multiple fields. It remains a meaningful destination for those interested in American history and literature, as well as in the life of a truly remarkable individual.

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Image Source/Credit:
• Materialscientist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons