Edwards Hall (Elkton, Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Edwards Hall
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Edwards Hall, March 2015
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 Location in Kentucky
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| Location | Goebel Avenue, Elkton, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1821 |
| Built by | Benjamin Edwards |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000906 |
| Added to NRHP | January 11, 1974 |
Edwards Hall is a historic house in Elkton, Kentucky. It was built around 1821 by Benjamin Edwards. This beautiful old home is located on a small hill overlooking Goebel Avenue.
In 1974, Edwards Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a special building important to American history.
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History of Edwards Hall
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Edwards Hall is a large, two-story house made of brick. It was built in 1821 by Benjamin Edwards. He was a U.S. Representative from Maryland. His family was very well-known and important.
Benjamin's brother, John Edwards, helped Kentucky become a state. He was also one of Kentucky's first two U.S. Senators.
Benjamin's oldest son, Ninian Beall Edward, was also a very important person. He was the Chief Justice of the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Later, he became the Governor of Illinois and a U.S. Senator for Illinois.
Famous Connections
Benjamin's grandson, Ninian Wirt Edwards, was also a notable figure. He was the first person to lead public education in Illinois. He also served in the Illinois state government many times.
Ninian Wirt Edwards married Elizabeth Todd. Her sister was Mary Todd, who later married Abraham Lincoln. In fact, Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd met and courted at the younger Edwards' home!
Another famous person born at Edwards Hall was Benjamin Helm Bristow. He was a great-grandson of Benjamin Edwards. Benjamin Helm Bristow held important jobs in the U.S. government. He was the first Solicitor General. This job involves arguing for the U.S. government in court. Later, he became the Secretary of the Treasury under President Ulysses S. Grant. This means he was in charge of the country's money.
What Edwards Hall Looks Like
The front of Edwards Hall is very grand. It has three main sections. The two outer sections each have four windows with shutters. The middle section has a special peaked roof.
This central part has two identical double doors, one on the first floor and one on the second. Each door has narrow windows on the sides and above it. The first-floor door opens onto a small porch with a fancy iron railing. The second-floor door opens onto a balcony with the same type of iron railing.
Edwards Hall on the National Register
Around 1940, Edwards Hall was carefully restored. This means it was fixed up to look like it did when it was first built. When it was nominated to be on the National Register of Historic Places, it was in excellent condition. Its historical importance and good condition helped it get listed in 1974.
