Wildwood
Built in the early 1800s, Wildwood is one of the oldest university presidents homes in existence today and has served as the residence for the families of eight presidents of Southeast Missouri State University. Currently, the beautifully restored home is used for many University events and activities hosted by the first family throughout the year.
Wildwood was part of a 124-acre tract of land purchased in 1922 to be used as a demonstration farm for the Department of Agriculture. The land was originally part of a grant from the Spanish government in the late 18th century to Don Louis Lorimier, founder of the city of Cape Girardeau. The only building on the land was a wine cellar. Louis Houck, a long-time member of the Board of Regents, led the conversion of the wine cellar into a home for the colleges president.
Wildwood was part of a 124-acre tract of land purchased in 1922 to be used as a demonstration farm for the Department of Agriculture. The land was originally part of a grant from the Spanish government in the late 18th century to Don Louis Lorimier, founder of the city of Cape Girardeau. The only building on the land was a wine cellar. Louis Houck, a long-time member of the Board of Regents, led the conversion of the wine cellar into a home for the college's president.