Springfield’s countryside and historical attractions are a must see for visitors to Kentucky. The home of President Lincoln’s parents, General Matthew Walton, Governor John Pope and site of significant Civil War events—Springfield continues to preserve her heritage.
*Click the attraction name, or scroll down, to view a list of
historical points of interested located in Springfield and Washington County, KY.
In 1987, the City of Springfield completed a renovation of the downtown area, which saw Main Street reconstructed. This gave the city a central business district, which any community would be proud of. Decorative antique lights adorn the road, wide sidewalks welcome shoppers to a variety of shops and stores. Trees and planters compliment the setting for the down home touch.
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When you visit the beautifully restored Main Street, you can stroll along sidewalks lined with historic old buildings. Numerous shops are located on Main Street. B&E Furniture, Nally Computers, Hardins Jewelry, Springfield Crafters Market, Springfield Antiques and Zoy's Muzic Zone are located in Springfield's historic two block commercial district. |
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The City of Springfield’s Opera House is home to a welcome center, crafter's’ market, and economic development offices. Springfield/Washington County Economic Development Authority, Springfield Main Street Program and the Chamber of Commerce are all conveniently located on the first floor of the Opera House.
Facilities can be rented to host Wedding Receptions, Class Reunions, Family Reunions and special events by contacting 859-336-5412, ext. 2, or for more information, see the Opera House page located on this site.
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Springfield is a Kentucky Certified City, a Silver Renaissance Community, and is recognized by the Kentucky Historical Society Council as a "Kentucky Main Street." In 2004, Springfield was honored as one of the first Preserve America Communities.
Many genealogical buffs will find the old records useful in tracing their histories in our County Clerk's Office.
Springfield serves as a historical marker for the Civil War for both the Union and the Confederacy. Soldiers from both sides of the war passed through here on their way to the Battle of Perryville. General Don Carlos Buell had his headquarters here at the Elmwood Home and used Springfield as a medical facility. Also, come follow along the historic John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail, which has three detailed posts in downtown Springfield.
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Experience one of the many covered bridges of Kentucky at the Mt. Zion Covered Bridge. Listed on the National Register, it is one of the longest multi-spans in Kentucky. Although closed to traffic, you can get out and enjoy a bridge that is a testimonial to a bygone era. |
Berry House [ back to top ]
This original Berry Home has been moved from the Beechland section about a mile away and preserved here. Nancy Hanks lived in this home when she was courted by Thomas Lincoln. In the large living room, before the immense fireplace, Thomas proposed to Nancy. This home is furnished with pioneer relics of the Lincoln Age. On display are photostatic copies of the Marriage Bond of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. |
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Blacksmith Shop [ back to top ]
A blacksmith and carpenter shop where Thomas Lincoln learned his trade has been built near the creek at the rear of the homestead cabin. This shop belonged to the Berrys. According to tradition, Thomas learned his trade under the direction of Richard and Francis Berry, two master craftsmen. |
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Country Place Greenhouse [ back to top ]
Located on Highway 55, Country Place is locally owned and operated by Sandra and Bernard Bourbeau. Enjoy a spectacular and colorful view of a wide variety of annual and perennial flowers. There is also a large selection of trees and shrubs. Country Place employees approximately 25 full-time and 50-70 seasonal employees. |
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Eleanores [ back to top ]
Built by Elizabeth Maddox Roberts. After returning to her beloved Springfield, she wrote her famous books "The Great Meadow" and "Time of Man". With the funds from her literary successes, she built Eleanores. It is an impressive neo-classic home. |
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Elmwood [ back to top ]
Built in 1851 by William S. Davison, son of the town's first merchant. Typical Italianate style employed by Bluegrass architect Lewinski and was purchased by Hugh McElroy in 1858. In early October 1862, Union forces moved through Springfield before the Battle of Perryville. General Buell made headquarters here and forced the owner's son to map water sources in the area because of bad drought conditions. |
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Glenmar Plantation [ back to top ]
This is an antique fanciers dream! This large late 1700s home also features some handcrafted reproductions made by the host. Enjoy the stillness of country-living in an atmosphere of yesteryear. Located just off Hwy 150/Bluegrass Parkway in a historic area of Kentucky called Fredericktown. |
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House Of History [ back to top ]
The oldest house still standing in Springfield, it was built of logs circa 1800 by John Thompson, whose wife was Nancy Hank's first cousin. Here the noted silversmith, David H. Spears, fashioned flatware for dining and in 1860, James P. Calhoun boasted that he cast ONE vote tallied in Washington County for Abraham Lincoln. |
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Jesse Head Homesite [ back to top ]
In June 1792, the pioneer citizens knew their courthouse would be at the crossroads on the "Big Road" from Bardstown to Danville and the Frankfort-Nashville stagecoach route. "Lot No. 10" from High Street to Court Square was prime property. Jesse Head, cabinet-maker and Methodist minister, who married Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks was the first owner. From 1810-1850, there were successful tavern keepers occupying the property until James Marratta, son-in-law of David H. Spears, owned all of the lot. The famed "Lot No. 10" was not divided until 1897 when Parratta's daughter, Mary Duncan, received two-thirds of the lot and built this handsome Victorian house. |
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Kalarama Farm [ back to top ]
In 1904, architect Frank Brewer designed this house for Judge I.H. Thurman. It was built on the site of a 1790 brick mansion belonging to John Reed, the first county court clerk in Kentucky. After Reed's death in 1814, Elias Davison owned the home and surrounding 1000 acres until his death. It was Judge Thurman who established the fine Kalarama strain of saddlebred show horses for which the farm is renowned. |
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Lincoln Cabin [ back to top ]
The Lincoln Cabin is a replica of the log house in which the President's grandmother raised her children, and rests on the same spot as the original cabin. Here, Thomas Lincoln, father of the President, lived until he was 25 years of age. The cabin is furnished in pioneer style and several pieces of furniture made by Thomas Lincoln are preserved here. The logs in this cabin are over 100 years old. |
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1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor [ back to top ]
This stately mansion, a Kentucky Landmark and on the National Register of Historical Places circa 1851, is located on 14 tranquil acres in the Bluegrass country. All rooms have private baths. Honeymoon has a jacuzzi, canopy bed and private entrance. A full country breakfast, homemade dessert and beverage is served in the evening. For more information, visit the Web site at www.maplehillmanor.com. |
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McChord Carriage House [ back to top ]
Initially this unique 5-room building served as the servants' and carriage house on the townscape property established in the late nineteenth century by William Caldwell McChord, scion of wealthy pioneers who settled in 1788. The buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and authentically restored. |
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Mordecai Lincoln Home [ back to top ]
Located on US Highway 528, four miles from Springfield, this home was built in 1797 by Mordecai Lincoln. He was an uncle of President Lincoln. This house is the only remaining residence known to have been owned and occupied by a member of the Lincoln family still standing on its original site. This house is currently being restored, and has been listed on the National Register of Historical Places. |
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Parker's Landing [ back to top ]
Around 1790, a Revolutionary War colonel from Virginia, Richard Parker, operated a warehouse and shipping port on Beechfork River and a tavern at this plantation on the "Big Road" from Bardstown to Danville. After Parker's death in 1799, Thomas Hamilton, the Maryland pioneer, bought the extensive property. At his death in 1807, a son, Alexander inherited this section of the estate. The house, barns, and dependencies, all surrounded by miles of rock fences, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. |
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Pope House [ back to top ]
Located at Walnut and High Streets, this house was built of brick in the Georgian colonial style in 1839 by John Pope. The house was occupied by John Pope (1770-1845) who was a representative and senator from Kentucky and third governor of the territory of Arkansas. He resided in Springfield from about 1819 until his death. |
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Scott House [ back to top ]
This historic plantation home, located at 110 College Street, was constructed circa 1835, with a brick-wing flanking the north wall dating to 1790’s during the founding of Washington County. In September of 1792, it was the site of the first Washington County Court proceedings. The County court met here in 1793 and 1794 while Hugh McElroy built the first log courthouse on Court Square. Features of the home include suspended spiraling staircases, 13 foot ceilings, winged window moldings, and yellow poplar floors.
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Valley Hill Store [ back to top ]
The Valley Hill Store began as a depot for the L&N Railroad when it was extended from Bardstown in 1888. The Government established a post office at this location and it was named for the nearby plantation “Valley Hill”. In 1896, a store was opened at the depot. Although the store has closed, the structure is preserved by the descendents of the Grundy family, Hugh Lee Grundy and his wife Frankie. |
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Walton Homestead [ back to top ]
Come on in! Make yourself at home. Enjoy a spectacular view, a lovely home, grandma's country breakfast, and a working farm, including sheep. The hostess is a spinner, natural dyer, weaver, sculptor, and puppeteer. Workshops are available. In the yard is the 1784 home listed on the National Register, built by Matthew Walton, founder of Washington County. |
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Washington County Courthouse [ back to top ]
Built in 1816, it is the oldest courthouse still in use for court proceedings in Kentucky. The basement of the courthouse contains records dating back to 1872. One of these documents is the original marriage license of Nancy Hanks and Thomas Lincoln - Abraham Lincoln's parents. |
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