Three Pines, a beloved Petersburg landmark, is an Italianate-style mansion built in 1875 for Senator Edward Laning.

When you visit Three Pines, you will find it holds a place of composure on the top of the hill where Sheridan Road curves to preserve the beauty of the setting. The central hallway opens to large rooms, their ceilings ornamented with elaborate plaster work, and the suites and common areas have deep fire- places framed by marble mantels. Superb carpentry is evident in the walnut carved newel post, and in the walnut woodwork and staircase which extends to the third floor. You can find photos of the property here.

The former owner, Mr. Laning, came from Zanesville, Ohio to Illinois with his parents in 1836. At that time the village of Petersburg consisted little more than fourteen log houses. Edward Laning attended Lombard College at Galesburg, later teaching school in Petersburg and in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He continued his law studies and was later admitted to the bar. He was elected a member of the State Legislature in 1868 for two years, and a member of the Senate which he entered in 1870 for six years.