Old Governor's Mansion (Frankfort, Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Governor's Mansion
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | 420 High St., Frankfort, Kentucky |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1797 |
| Architect | Robert P. Letcher; Thomas Metcalf |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000345 |
| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1971 |
The Old Governor's Mansion is a historic building in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is also known as the Lieutenant Governor's Mansion. You can find it at 420 High Street. This mansion is thought to be the oldest official home for a state leader that is still used in the Contiguous United States. Today, it serves as the official residence for the Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky.
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A Home for Kentucky's Leaders
In 1796, the Kentucky General Assembly decided to set aside money for a house. This house would be for the state's governor. Construction of the mansion finished in 1798. Over the years, the building faced challenges like fires and not being cared for properly. It has also been changed several times. Some parts of its design now show a Victorian style.
Famous Guests and Nicknames
In its early days, people often called the Mansion the "Palace." Many important people have visited this historic home. Guests included Theodore Roosevelt, who later became a U.S. President. Andrew Jackson, another future President, also stayed there. Even Louis-Philippe of France, who would become the King of France, was a guest. Other famous visitors were Henry Clay, William Jennings Bryan, and the Marquis de Lafayette.
Who Lived There Last?
The last people to live in the mansion were Lieutenant Governor Steve Henry and his wife Heather French Henry. After them, lieutenant governors have chosen not to live in the mansion. Instead, they stay in their own homes in their hometowns. They travel to Frankfort when they need to work. Because of this, the mansion is now managed by the Kentucky Historical Society.
Builders Who Became Governors
Interestingly, two men who helped build the house later became governors of Kentucky. They even lived in the mansion they helped create! These men were Robert P. Letcher, a bricklayer, and Thomas Metcalf, a stonemason.
Recognized as a Historic Place
The Old Governor's Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
See also
- State House (Pennsylvania): former official residence of the Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania
- List of buildings constructed by Thomas Metcalfe
