Octagon Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Octagon Hall
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 Location in Kentucky
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| Nearest city | Franklin, Kentucky |
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| Area | 1.8 acres (0.73 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001667 |
| Added to NRHP | April 10, 1980 |
Octagon Hall is a very special house in Simpson County, Kentucky, near Franklin, Kentucky. It was built in 1862 and is famous for having eight sides instead of the usual four! This unique building is also known as the Andrew Jackson Caldwell House, named after the man who built it.
Octagon Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it's an important historical site worth protecting. Today, it's a museum where you can learn about its past.
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What Makes Octagon Hall Unique?
Its Eight-Sided Design
Octagon Hall is a two-story house made of red bricks. What makes it stand out is its unusual eight-sided shape. Most houses are square or rectangular. This design was quite rare when it was built.
The front of the house has bricks laid in a special pattern called Flemish bond. This makes the brickwork look very neat and decorative. Other parts of the house use a simpler brick pattern.
A Look Back at Octagon Hall's History
Building a Dream Home
The story of Octagon Hall began in 1847. A man named Andrew Jackson Caldwell started planning his new home. He wanted a house that was different from all the others. He planned this unique eight-sided house for his family. He lived there with his wife, Lizzie, and their daughter, Mary Elizabeth.
Octagon Hall During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Octagon Hall played an important role. It became a hospital for soldiers from both sides. Both Confederate and Federal soldiers received care there.
The house also served as a secret hiding place. Confederate troops would hide there when they were trying to escape from the Union army.
Octagon Hall Today
Today, Octagon Hall is much more than just an old house. It is now the Octagon Hall Museum & Kentucky Confederate Studies Archive. It's a place where you can learn a lot about history.
The museum has a large library. You can see many interesting things from the Civil War. There are also artifacts from Native Americans who lived in the area. You can even find information for family history research.
Outside the house, there is a cemetery where enslaved people were buried. There are also historic gardens to explore. Visitors can take tours inside the house to learn all about its past.
Spooky Stories of Octagon Hall
Is Octagon Hall Haunted?
Octagon Hall is known as one of the most haunted places in the Southern United States. Many people who visit say they have experienced strange things. They report seeing shadow figures or hearing disembodied voices.
Tragedies at the Hall
Even before the house was finished, sad events happened there. Andrew Jackson Caldwell's wife, Lizzie, passed away before she could move into their new home. She was buried on the property.
Later, their daughter, Mary Elizabeth, also died at a young age. She was only 12 years old. She had a tragic accident in the 'winter kitchen' in the basement. Her clothing caught fire while she was standing too close to the fireplace. She was also buried in the family cemetery on the grounds.
Paranormal Experiences Reported
Visitors have shared many spooky stories about the hall:
- In Mary Elizabeth's bedroom, people have seen toys move by themselves.
- Some visitors have felt a small hand grab theirs.
- Whispers of a little girl's voice saying "Mommy" have been heard.
In the attic, there are stories about a Confederate soldier's spirit. His name is said to be 'Edward'. He was badly hurt by Union troops. He managed to escape to Octagon Hall to hide. Sadly, he bled out and passed away before it was safe to leave. People say they can still hear Edward dragging his leg around inside the house.
