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 in eastern Bardstown, Kentucky. It is famous for being the home of three different state governors. Two of these governors served Kentucky, and one served Louisiana.
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About Wickland Mansion
Wickland is a large, three-story house. It is considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in Kentucky. This style was popular in the 1700s and early 1800s.
Inside the Mansion
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.
The third floor has a front attic and two big rooms. A special staircase connects all three floors. It seems to float from the walls with no visible support underneath. This is called a cantilevered staircase.
Original Kitchen and Other Buildings
When Wickland was first built in 1815, the kitchen was not inside the main house. It was a separate two-story building connected by an open porch. The second floor of the kitchen building was used as a nursery and for workers.
Over the years, the roof tiles of the house were replaced several times. In the 1930s, modern features were added. These included running water, electricity, bathrooms, and heating systems.
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.
History of the Governors' Home
Wickland was built between 1813 and 1817. It was made for Charles A. Wickliffe, who was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives. He used building plans from John M. Brown and John Rogers.
The Governors of Wickland
Charles A. Wickliffe himself became the governor of Kentucky. He served from September 27, 1839, to September 2, 1840.
His son, Robert C. Wickliffe, also became a governor. Robert served as the governor of Louisiana from 1856 to 1860.
Later, Charles's grandson, J. C. W. Beckham, was born at Wickland. He followed in his grandfather's footsteps and became governor of Kentucky. Beckham served from 1900 to 1907. He also later became a United States senator.
Because three governors lived here, Wickland earned the nickname "Home of Three Governors."
Other Connections and Tours
Another house, called Wickland in Shelbyville, was named after this mansion. The wife of its builder, Charles Marshall, was Elizabeth Wickliffe. She was the daughter of Robert C. Wickliffe.
For 25 years, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels held an annual barbecue at Wickland. This event took place on the Sunday after the famous Kentucky Derby horse race. They even placed a marker near the house to remember this tradition.
Today, Wickland is open for tours. You can visit it from March to October.
Gallery
See also
