Historic Architecture

From the log and stone buildings that date to the 18th century to the clean lines of a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bluegrass Region boasts a wide range of historic architecture.

Carlisle
The jailer’s home was built between 1820-24, and the accompanying dungeon cells were built in 1857 and housed prisoners through the 1890s.

Cynthiana – henryclaycs.org | Phone: 859.231.0315
A two-story log cabin built in 1790 was utilized by Henry Clay as a law office. The two-story stone jail and courtyard were completed in 1888 and were built entirely with hand tools.

Danville – parks.ky.gov/findparks/histparks/cs/history | Phone: 859.239.7089
The Constitution Square State Historic Site is where Kentucky’s constitution was signed. Log cabin meeting houses, the courthouse, jail and post office are open for tours. Also the McDowell House & Apothecary Shop dates back to the 1790s. Dr. Ephraim McDowell performed the first abdominal surgery there on Christmas Day, 1809.

Frankfort – kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYCapitol_pg2.html | 502.564.8300, ext. 276
The Old State Capitol was used from 1831-1910 and has a cantilevered spiral staircase. The Federal-style Old Governor’s Mansion was home to 33 Kentucky governors from 1798-1914. There are three early 19th century homes: Liberty Hall, the Orlando Brown House and the Vest-Lindsey House. In addition, there is a house designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Georgetown – cardomecenter.com | 502.863.1575, ext 101
The Cardome Centre is a former monastery building built for the Sisters of the Visitation in 1898. Georgetown College, which was founded in 1829, is the oldest Baptist college west of the Allegheny Mountains. In addition, Ward Hall is Kentucky’s largest Greek Revival house.

Harrodsburg – harrodsburgky.com | 800.355.9192
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is America’s largest restored Shaker village with 34 original structures where costumed interpreters chronicle Shaker life. Morgan Row–the oldest row house in Kentucky–contains a genealogical library. The Old Mud Meeting House was built in 1800 as the first Low Dutch Reformed Church building west of the Alleghenies.

Lexington
Four beautiful 19th century homes–Ashland–the Henry Clay Estate, Waveland State Historic Site, the Mary Todd Lincoln House and the Hunt-Morgan House–stand as living reminders of Lexington’s rich history. The homes offer a variety of architectural styles, antique collections, gardens and historic exhibits.
Henry Clay Estate: henryclay.org | 859.266.8581
Waveland State Historic Site: parks.ky.gov/findparks/histparks/wl | 859.272.3611
Mary Todd Lincoln House: mtlhouse.org | 859-233-9999
Hunt-Morgan House: bluegrasstrust.org/hunt-morgan.html | 859.253.0362

Nicholasville
The Oliver Perry Mansion was built in 1846 and served as Union officers’ quarters at Camp Nelson. Serentiy Hill Farm features a two-story cabin on a working farm in the midst of forests and valleys.
Oliver Perry Mansion: jessamineco.com/tourism/nelson.html | 859.881.5716
Serenity Hill farm: kyagr.com/kdapage.aspx?id=3904 | 859.885.1992

Paris
The Log Cane Ridge Meeting House was built in 1791 and is the largest one-room log structure in the U.S. It was the birthplace of the Disciples of Christ Church. Built in 1788, Duncan Tavern now serves as the headquarters of the Kentucky Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Log Cane Meeting House: caneridge.org | 859.987.5350
Duncan Tavern: kentuckydar.org | 202.628.1776

Richmond – parks.ky.gov/findparks/histparks/wh | 859.623.9178
White Hall State Historic Site is the 44-room Italianate home of statesman and abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay.

Stanford
The restored Stanford L&N depot offers displays of railroad memorabilia. The William Whitley House was Kentucky’s first brick house – also circular racetrack.
Stanford Depot: stanford-lincolncountytourism.com/what_to_do.html | 606.365.0207
William Whitley House: parks.ky.gov/findparks/histparks/ww | 606.355.2881

Versailles
The Jack Jouett House was built in 1793 by Captain Jouett, one of the state’s first importers of purebred horses and cattle. Pisgah Presbyterian Church was established in 1784 as the first Presbyterian Church west of the Alleghenies.
Jack Jouett House: jouetthouse.org | 859.873.7902
Pisgah Pres Church: pisgahpresbyterian.org | 859.873.4161

Winchester
Holly Rood Historic Home was built in 1814 by James Clark, the 12th governor of Kentucky. The Bluegrass Heritage Museum is housed in a handsome Richardson-Romanesque building.
Holly Rood House: kentuckytourism.com/things_to_do | 859.745.6664
The Bluegrass Heritage Museum: bgheritage.com | 859.745.1358

Historic Architecture

Bluegrass Region City Tourism Links Listed Below