Wickland (Bardstown, Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wickland
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | 0.5 mi. E of Bardstown on U.S. 62, Bardstown, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1815 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000824 |
| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1973 |
Wickland is a historic mansion located in eastern Bardstown, Kentucky. It is very famous because three different state governors once lived there. Two of these governors were from Kentucky, and one was from Louisiana.
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Wickland: Home of Governors
Wickland is a large, three-story house. It is considered one of the best examples of a Georgian-style building in Kentucky. This style was popular in the 1700s and early 1800s.
What Does Wickland Look Like?
The first and second floors of Wickland have the same layout. Each floor has a long hall, about 44 feet by 14 feet. On each side of the hall, there are four well-sized rooms. For example, on the first floor, the dining room is on one side and the library is on the other.
Inside the Mansion
The third floor has a front attic and two large rooms. A special staircase connects all three floors. This staircase seems to float from the walls, with no visible support underneath it. This design is called "cantilevered."
Other Buildings and Updates
Originally, the kitchen was a separate building from the main house. It was connected by an open porch. This kitchen building had two stories. The second floor was used as a nursery and for workers who stayed for a short time.
The roof tiles of the house were replaced four times between 1815 and 1972. In the 1930s, modern features were added to Wickland. These included running water, electricity, bathrooms, and furnaces.
Two other buildings are also on the 66-acre property. One is a heated outhouse with two rooms. The other is a two-story brick building. The Wickliffe family lived in this brick building before Wickland was finished.
The History of Wickland
Wickland was built between 1813 and 1817. It was built for Charles A. Wickliffe. He was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives. Mr. Wickliffe used building plans created by John M. Brown and John Rogers.
Governors Who Lived Here
Charles A. Wickliffe became the governor of Kentucky. He served from September 1839 to September 1840. His son, Robert C. Wickliffe, also became a governor. Robert was the governor of Louisiana from 1856 to 1860.
Later, J. C. W. Beckham, who was Charles Wickliffe's grandson, was born at Wickland. He became the governor of Kentucky from 1900 to 1907. He also served as a United States senator. Because three governors lived here, Wickland is known as the "Home of Three Governors."
Other Connections and Visits
Another house, called Wickland in Shelbyville, was named after this mansion. The wife of its builder was Elizabeth Wickliffe. She was the daughter of Robert C. Wickliffe.
For 25 years, a group called the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels held an annual barbecue at Wickland. This event happened on the Sunday after the famous Kentucky Derby horse race. They even placed a special marker near the house to remember this tradition.
Today, Wickland is open for tours. You can visit it from March to October to learn more about its history.
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See also
