Historic Locust Grove facts for kids
|
Locust Grove
|
|
Croghan Mansion at Locust Grove
|
|
 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 561 Blankenbaker Lane Louisville, Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Area | 55 acres (22 ha) |
| Built | 1790 |
| Architect | William Croghan |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000347 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | June 23, 1986 |
Locust Grove is a special historic farm in eastern Jefferson County, Kentucky. It covers 55 acres and is known as a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important place in American history.
The Louisville Metro government owns Locust Grove. A group called Historic Locust Grove, Inc. helps run it as a place where people can learn about the past. The main building is a large house built around 1790. It's designed in the Georgian style. This house was home to the Croghan family. Many famous people visited here, including George Rogers Clark, Lewis and Clark, and even U.S. Presidents.
Besides the historic house, there's also a Visitors Center. Here, you can find a gift shop, a museum, and space for meetings.
Contents
History of Locust Grove
Founding the Estate
Locust Grove was started in 1790 by William Croghan and his wife, Lucy Clark Croghan. Lucy was the sister of two famous explorers: Brigadier General George Rogers Clark and William Clark from the Lewis and Clark Expedition. William Croghan was also a surveying partner with George Rogers Clark.
At its largest, the Locust Grove estate was almost 700 acres. This was just a small part of all the land William Croghan owned. When he passed away in 1838, he owned more than 53,000 acres!
Lewis and Clark's Return
After their long journey all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark returned to Locust Grove on November 8, 1806. Lucy Clark Croghan and her family welcomed them home. Locust Grove is the only house still standing west of the Appalachian Mountains that sheltered Lewis and Clark after their famous trip. In the fall of 2006, Locust Grove celebrated the 200th anniversary of their return.
Famous Residents and Neighbors
George Rogers Clark lived at Locust Grove during the last years of his life, from 1809 to 1818.
The property was also right next to Springfield. This was the home of Colonel Richard Taylor and his son, Zachary Taylor, who later became a U.S. President.
After William Croghan died, his son John C. Croghan took over the estate. John C. Croghan is also known for buying Mammoth Cave in 1838.
Mapping Mammoth Cave
In the winter of 1844, an African-American man named Stephen Bishop worked at the farm. He was known for his amazing knowledge of caves. Stephen Bishop created a map of Mammoth Cave. This map was published in 1845. It was the most complete and accurate map of the cave for many years, until modern mapping tools were used in 1908.
A cool part of Stephen Bishop's story happened much later, in 1972. A new route was found that connected two parts of the cave system: Flint Ridge and Mammoth Cave Ridge. This area was one that Bishop had mapped! Even though a nearby dam had flooded much of the area, Bishop's old map from the 1800s still showed where this connection route was.
National Historic Landmark Status
Locust Grove was named a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It's important because it's one of the few remaining homes connected to the life of George Rogers Clark.
Gallery
-
A close-up view of the main house.
-
The main house seen from the northeast.
-
The main house seen from the southeast.
-
The main house seen from the southwest.
-
A log cabin built around 1815 at the site.
-
The smokehouse is one of the original buildings at Locust Grove.
-
The springhouse, where food was kept cool.
-
Another view of the springhouse.
-
The woodworking shed.
-
The Visitor Center, where you can learn more.
