A&E - America's Castles: Windy City Estates

The stunning homes built by the magnates and millionaires of the Windy City are second to none. AMERICA'S CASTLES offers an all-access tour of three of the finest of these magnificent mansions. Visit the opulent Cuneo, originally built by a partner of Thomas Edison who fled to Turkey in the wake of the 1929 crash. His magnificent home, with its indoor swimming pool, movie theater and grand ballroom, was bought for a song by a friend and business partner of William Randolph Hearst. One of Hearst's rivals, Colonel Robert McCormick, lived in the 32-room Cantigny, which features a print room styled after Madison's portico at Montpelier. A tour reveals many stunning artifacts, including a world-class collection of antique weapons. Finally, go inside the home of former Vice President Charles Gates Dawes, modeled after a Middle Ages Chateau. Highlights include a circular dining table, a World War I memorial in the main hall, and a stunning collection of Tiffany lamps.