Buford-Duke House facts for kids

The Buford-Duke House is a historic brick house located in Scott County, Kentucky. It was built a long time ago, before the American Civil War. This type of building is known as antebellum architecture.

A Historic Kentucky Home

The First Owner: Colonel Abram Buford

The Buford-Duke House was built in 1792 by Colonel Abram Buford. He was a brave soldier who fought in two big wars: the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Because of his service, Colonel Buford received thousands of acres of farmland in Kentucky.

He used this land to raise thoroughbred horses. He played a very important role in helping the horse industry grow in Kentucky. In 1795, two horses owned by Buford were even named the first race winners in the Kentucky Gazette newspaper.

The Duke Family Takes Over

Colonel Buford's daughter married James K. Duke, who was a lawyer. After Colonel Buford passed away in 1833, James Duke inherited the house. He made the house bigger and changed its main entrance to face south. The open land in front of the house was also used for large parties.

Basil Duke's Connection

James Duke's nephew was General Basil W. Duke. Basil came to live with his uncle James after his parents divorced. He studied law at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.

In 1861, Basil married Henrietta Morgan, who was the sister of a famous general named John Hunt Morgan. Basil became a lieutenant in Morgan's Second Kentucky Cavalry during the Civil War. After General Morgan died, Basil was promoted to lead a larger group of soldiers.

Later in his life, Basil Duke became a lawyer in Louisville, Kentucky. He also worked for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. In 1869, he was elected to the state legislature, helping to make laws for Kentucky.

A Legacy of Horses

A part of the land where the Buford-Duke House stands became the Kentucky Horse Park in 1978. This park is a famous place where people can learn about horses and their history.