The Ben Hur Museum was built by General Lew Wallace for use as his private library and a quiet place where he could write. The Civil War General wrote the world’s most famous fictional work: Ben Hur. Wallace designed and built the structure in 1896. The building is a National Historic Landmark and home to Wallace’s life collections. In addition to his acclaim as a celebrated author, Wallace was an artist, violinist and inventor. Four acres of lovely grounds and the building are entirely enclosed by a massive brick wall.