Montauk (Clermont, Iowa)
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Montauk | |
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 Interactive map showing the location of Montauk | |
| Location | 1 mile northeast of Clermont on U.S. Route 18 |
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| Coordinates | 43°0′30.1″N 91°38′55.6″W / 43.008361°N 91.648778°W |
| Built | 1874 |
| Architect | E. Townsend Mix |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000725[1] |
| Added to NRHP | February 21, 1973 |
Montauk, also known as Montauk State Preserve, is a historic house located northeast of Clermont, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.[1]
William Larrabee, who had the house built in 1874, was a Connecticut native who made his fortune as a banker, manufacturer and land owner.[2] As a Republican he served for 18 years in the Iowa Senate and then two terms as the Governor of Iowa. While he was one of Iowa's wealthiest landowners in his day, he helped to change Iowa politics and make government more responsive to the needs of its citizens.[3] During his political career he led a crusade against the uncontrolled rate abuses by the railroads, which in part, led to the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission.[2] After his second term he retired here to Montauk. He held a couple minor roles in his later years as the chairman of the Iowa State Board of Control, and as the President of the Iowa Commission of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. He was a friend of Theodore Roosevelt, and helped to establish the Progressive Party.[2]
