Millspring facts for kids
Millspring is a very old and important house located in Georgetown, Kentucky. It is the only building left from a large piece of land, about 27 acres, that was first owned by Reverend Elijah Craig. He lived from about 1740 to 1808 and was the person who founded Georgetown. This land was special because it was like the very first industrial park (a place with many businesses and factories) in the western part of the Allegheny Mountains. Millspring was also where the first paper mill in the area was built, and it was one of the first places to make Kentucky Bourbon.
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Building Millspring: A Look at its History
The oldest part of the house, which is shaped like the letter "L" (called an "ell"), was built in 1789 by Elijah Craig. This part was a small house built in the Georgian style, which was popular at the time. Later, in 1812, a two-story section was added by General Richard M. Gano.
Changes Over Time
Originally, the "L"-shaped part of the house faced a stream called Royal Spring Branch, and the two-story part faced north. But around 1860, the house was turned to face North Broadway (which was also known as Cincinnati Pike). At this time, a man named Hiram E. Stedman updated the house. He added a popular style called "bracketed," which means it had decorative supports under the eaves of the roof.
Inside, the older parts of Millspring still have many original features. You can see the first floors made of ash wood, doors with decorative panels, and special cupboards built next to the fireplaces. The fireplaces also have their original mantels, which are shelves above the fireplace, designed in the Kentucky Georgian and Federal styles.
Important People Connected to Millspring
After Elijah Craig passed away, the house went to his son-in-law, Samuel Grant. Sadly, Samuel Grant passed away unexpectedly.
General Richard M. Gano
Later, General Richard M. Gano bought the house. General Gano was a very important person. He led a group of soldiers in a famous battle called the Battle of the Thames. He also worked with his brother-in-law to help create the city of Covington, Kentucky.
Dr. William H. Richardson
When General Gano passed away, the property was bought by Dr. William H. Richardson. Dr. Richardson was the first professor of obstetrics (which is the study of childbirth) and the Dean of Transylvania Medical School. He was also the person who brought the Stedman family, who were known for making paper, to Georgetown.
