General Lew Wallace Study and Museum

06/02/2026

Here is a look back at June 2, 2010 when the Study was emptied in preparation for the restoration compared to what it looks like today. What a difference!

05/30/2026

Come out for the upcoming local Montgomery County events! You can visit the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Historical Society, and here to see America 250 exhibits and learn more about the upcoming local events.

🇺🇸 Montgomery County is celebrating America250 throughout 2026 with special events, live music, historical programs, and community celebrations for all ages!

Residents and visitors are invited to join the fun and celebrate America’s 250th birthday while exploring Montgomery County’s rich history and culture.

🎆 From July 4th celebrations and concerts to historical tours and family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all year long.

📍 Stay updated on upcoming events:
www.lane-mchs.org/america250

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Another beautiful weekend ahead!

05/25/2026

Today, we take a moment to remember and reflect on those who gave their lives in service to our country. Among them was William Noble "Tee" Wallace, the beloved grandson of Lew Wallace.

In 1916, William served as an ambulance driver with the American Field Ambulance Service in the French Army before the United States enters the war. During six months of service, his unit earns three commendations, including the French Croix de Guerre with Palm and the Fourragère for Souville–Tavanne. He returns to America to finish his studies at Yale in December 1916 and graduates the following June. After graduation, Tee reenlists in the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant in July. During subsequent training courses, he finishes near the top of his class.

In February 1918, Tee returns to France, and by June his unit moved to Château-Thierry to counter the German spring offensive. At the Battle of Belleau Wood, he leads his platoon over a hill in some of the war’s fiercest fighting. In July, while leading an attack on Vierzy during the advance on Soissons, William is wounded by an explosion and sent to Base Hospital No. 43 to recover. By September, the Marine Corps promotes Tee to first lieutenant and appoints him battalion scout officer. He rejoins his unit for the Meuse-Argonne offensive in October. As the war nears its end, his company withdraws, but William volunteers to remain behind and map enemy positions. He completes the dangerous mission with exceptional daring. On his return to camp the next morning William was killed instantly by shellfire on Blanc Mont Ridge. That night, the regimental chaplain and William’s fellow soldiers bury him beside the road between Somme-Py and St. Étienne. World War I ends just weeks later.

William was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross. Visit the museum to learn more about William in our 2026 exhibit "Wallace Family: A Legacy of Service."

05/20/2026

Happy !

Don't forget that you can bike to the museum as well. Our bike rack is located on Wallace Avenue next to the pedestrian entrance to the grounds.

05/19/2026

in 1881 President James A. Garfield appointed Lew Wallace as U.S. Minister to the Ottoman Empire. Garfield had read Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, and reportedly said he would like to get another book out of Wallace. Lew's salary was $7,500 a year plus $3,000 for expenses.

Garfield wrote in his diary, "Wallace surprises me with his delicacy and pe*******on as well as his breadth of culture. I think Constantinople would give him opportunities for still greater success, and I will try to give him that mission."

📷 : President Garfield and Sultan Abdul Hamid II

James A. Garfield National Historic Site

05/15/2026

in 1977 the Study was designated as a National Landmark. Here is a photograph of Crawfordsville Mayor Glenn Knecht accepting the national plaque and certificate from Robert L. Lageman, the Superintendent of the George Rogers Clark National Historic Park.
Image Credit: Crawfordsville District Public Library

05/13/2026

The Moat Garden, then and now. The gas lantern and urn pictured in the historic photograph are currently being restored, and we cannot wait to see them returned to their places atop the newel posts once again.

Visit the museum and recreate this wonderful scene of General Lew Wallace with his grandsons, Lew Jr. and William Noble, standing in the Moat Garden more than a century ago.