A Walk Through Falmouth
On your visit to Pendleton County you may enjoy this wonderful stroll though the Historic District.
Please feel free to print the map and the data.
Created by Terry England, transcribed by Nancy Bray, thanks!
A Walk Through Falmouth, Kentucky
In the early 1980's a group of volunteers researched the historic properties in the city of Falmouth in order to submit an application for the National Register of Historic
Places. Terry England was one of those volunteers and the project was successful as Falmouth was chosen to be on the National Register. In 1983 the Kentucky
Wool Festival was formed and Terry was one of the founding members of that festival. It was decided as an added draw to have a walking tour and Terry was asked
to compile that data. Carriage rides were available and brought people into Falmouth where they could get off and tour the City on their own. Another carriage picked
them up later. This was a great deal of work and everyone associated with its success deserves our deepest gratitude.
It should be noted that Terry England was the author of the walking tour brochure. Terry is a life-long resident of Pendleton County and has been active in historic
preservation and genealogy of this area for many years. For over 16 years he have served the city of Falmouth as its City Clerk and Treasurer while still being
very active in other community affairs. Terry is a man truly devoted to his community!
All credit for the brochure goes to Terry England, thanks so much Terry!
1. THE POINT
at the confluence of the Licking and South Licking Rivers, can always be located on the earliest maps of Kentucky. It was near this site that the earliest settlers decided
to build a settlement. Falmouth is the fruit of their labor.
2. MURPHY'S ISLAND
in the Licking River, was the site of much social activity in the late 1899's. It was a picnic spot used for political rallies, had balloon ascensions, food booths and a
pavilion for dancing.
3. THE JOHNSON MINOR HOUSE
dates about 1815 and is an example of Federal architecture. Johnson Minor, a cabinet maker, only lived here a short time. He became exposed to the weather trying to
salvage a load of logs that overturned in the river and died of pneumonia.
4. THE OLDHAM PLANTATION
was once a 1000 acre tract that was purchased by Tyree Oldham and Samuel Hayden in 1816 from Henry Clay and James Hughes for $2000. In 1817, Oldham bought
Hayden's part of the land. Tyree Oldham, the son of Jesse, an early inhabitant of Boonesboro, brought his family to Falmouth about 1814. Oldham built the stately
brick home across the river about 1825. The construction was superb. The Flemish and common bond brickwork it contains are reminiscent of Virginia Manor
homes. When the suspension bridge, one of the first in Kentucky was erected, the Oldham Ferry was closed. Tyree Oldham's son, Thomas Jefferson, who later
owned the plantation, built a number of structures in town and surrounding area-The Falmouth Christian Church and The Doctor's building are among them.
5.COURT HOUSE SQUARE (open)
was formed from land given by John Waller and other founding fathers. The original courthouse, made of stone, stood on the same site as the current building. In
1881, the public land on the Court House Square was divided into 12 parcels and sold to the highest bidders. It is alleged that when "old John Waller" got wind of this
division, he rode into town with his pistols "to shoot up the place". He was arrested and put in jail to "cool off". In 1848, the current building was
constructed-remodeled in 1884 with additions to the clerk's office, and bell and clock tower. Early in this century, the brick were painted white. It was sandblasted in
1975 and a rear addition added.
6. ED REDDY'S SALOON
was one of the most colorful establishments to be found in this building. According to local legend, Reddy from Kilkenny, Ireland, had a saloon in the front, cards in
the back and women upstairs. Several old timers contend that as late as the 1920's, women came to town on Court Day and hung over the balcony with blatant
invitations to "come on up". This building is composed of three sections--the back portion built by Thomas J. Oldham about 1860 and the front section that served as
a store and later connected.
7. THE BISHOP HOTEL
was originally known as The Glenn Hotel. Built in the early 1900's, the hotel had access from a near courtyard; stairs leading up to individual rooms. The building had
a lobby on the lower floor.
8. THE ASSEMBLY BUILDING
was constructed by Gus Schubert in 1892 to serve three purposes. A drug store was housed in one section fronting Shelby Street, an Assembly Hall and family
residence upstairs. The First National Bank was established here in 1922-supporting vault is still in the basement. Over the years, it has been a pool hall, a saloon, a
speakeasy, a theatre, and various merchandising establishments. In the large room upstairs, various social events were held--recitals, operas, and even high school
graduations.
9. THE KENNETT TAVERN
was built about 1810 in Federal architecture. It is the oldest commercial structure in Falmouth-originally two buildings built about the same time and later joined
together. During the Civil War, both Confederate and Union Soldiers were quartered in this tavern. The tavern was owned by Balzer Beaugrand during the late
1890's-early 1900's. During his ownership, the Beaugrands lived in the building and ran a confectionary-ice cream parlor.
10. THE PHOENIX HOTEL
was built by James and Caroline Clark around 1884 and first called the Clark Hotel (James and Caroline were the parents of Dr. Henry Clay Clark, an early historian of
Falmouth). Sometime around 1890, the name changed to the Phoenix Hotel. George Ross became the owner in 1902 and under his guidance and the custodianship of
his heirs, Misses Emma and Margaret Ross, the hotel became well known throughout the state. The Ross sisters were noted for their impeccable dining room, starched
linen table covers, and napkins and a dinner beyond compare. The rooms were small but immaculate-with one bathroom on the first floor.
11. THE MARY WILSON HOUSE (open)
was built around 1825 as a store in the first floor area and a dance hall upstairs with a back outside entrance. Thought always associated with the Wilson family, it was
built by Enos Daniels (an early Sheriff of Pendleton County) to use as a store and possibly a stagecoach stop for delivering the mail. Daniels failed to pay for it and the
property reverted back to James Wilson, Sr., a Revolutionary War Soldier and one of the first settlers of Falmouth. It was converted into a residence about 1850.
Later it was the home of James Madison Wilson, Captain in the Union Army, and remained in the family until the death of his youngest child, Mary C. Wilson in 1983.
12. THE MCBRIDE HOUSE
was built by Melvin McBrice in 1907. This Victorian Gothic home is a good example of an early 20th century catalog house. It was a stock plan purchased from a
company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Some of the indoor elements were ordered from Sears. It contains many of the original furnishings.
13. THE LEE-WILSON HOUSE
was a one story brick built about 1827 by Willis Duncan. It was later acquired by the Lee family. Miss Fannie Lee heired the home from her parents. She married Dr.
J. E. Wilson, a practicing physician in Falmouth as early as 1888. Dr. Wilson, from one of Falmouth's pioneer families, served as Mayor for 40 years. The house has
had many additions through the years but retains much of its original charm.
14. THE LLL BUILDING
named for the Louisville, Lexington and Latonia Railway, was probably built by Samuel Hauser in the 1850's. It has been a hotel, boarding house, saloon, grocery,
restaurant, bus depot, and served for a time as the County Public Library. Among its tenants were Miss Jessie Morgan's Millinery Shop, H. N. Newman's General
Store and Willis and Wright Clothing Shop. The Guide, one of the city's first newspapers, was printed upstairs.
15. THE WESTERN AUTO STORE
contains two sections that were in use during the early commercial boom of the 1850's. The small white portion with gabled roof and red trim housed Falmouth's first
"motion picture" show-the Wonderland Theatre, run by Elmer Woodhead. Many other businesses-probably Parker's Variety Store is the most remembered, have
conducted shop in this building.
16. THE BARBOUR HOUSE
is one of the few remaining 19th century residences in the business district. It was built by Dr. J. H. Barbour who used the front two rooms as an office with his
residence in the rear. A two story gallery extends the entire length of the side with an attractive courtyard in the back. Dr. Barbour, who had a book of poetry
published, was also a delegate to the 1880 Republican National Convention. He was one of four Kentuckians who broke the "unit rule" thus defeating the nomination of
U. S. Grant to a third term.
17. THE CITIZEN'S BANK BUILDING
was erected about 1902. The bank closed in 1923; reopened in the late 1920's next door and sold out to The Falmouth Deposit Bank in 1932. The coin medallions
on the building's facade are noteworthy.
18. THE MASONIC BUILDING
was constructed in 1873. The building is the best example of the Italianate architecture to be found on a commercial structure in Falmouth. In 1873, the Orion Lodge
222 sold capital stock to add the third story to the building in progress. The Masons used the third floor for lodge meetings. The KKK and the Odd Fellows have met
here also on different occasions. The remainder of the building was used for offices and shops. In 1932, the Masons purchased the Presbyterian Church building and
moved their lodge to that location.
19. THE CARLTON BLOCK
was named for William Carton, railroader and real estate investor. This building's construction coincided with the 1850's boom period. The structure has served the
business community since. Part of the building is the 1792 home of Dr. Jermiah Monroe, Falmouth's first physician.
20. THE PENDLETON COUNTY JAIL
was built in the 1850's. The arched doors and windows are very distinctive. It has been in continuous use since its completion on the public square. It supplanted an
earlier jail at the corner of Second Street and Maple Avenue.
21. THE ALVIN MONTJOY LOG CABIN
is the oldest house still remaining in Falmouth. The cabin was built about 1792 by Alvin Montjoy, one of Falmouth's first settlers. It is believed that in this cabin, the
peace officers, magistrates and commissioners met by appointment on July 4, 1799 to draw up the City Charter.
22. THE R. B. MCDONALD HOUSE
is an elegant Victorian Gothic home built in 1890. R. B. M cDonald, an early distiller and extensive land owner, was its original inhabitant.
23. ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
was built around 1871. During WWI, this church was used as City Hall while the current City building was being constructed. Currently the building houses the
Church of the Nazarene.
24. THE ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH
was built between 1877-1880 of Romanesque Revival architecture. It has undergone several renovations. The educational buildings are rectory were added in 1961.
The organ, installed in 1965, was saved from demolition of the Villa Madonna Academy in Covington.
25. THE PENDLETON WOOLEN MILLS
Joshua Woodhead who established the Woolen Mill, came to Falmouth from England via Massachusetts with his wife and three sons. He obtained machinery from a
similar establishment in Lowell, Mass. From 1866 to the early 1900's, the Pendleton Woolen Mills made blankets, skirts, jeans, etc. and shipped them world wide.
Many local citizens own some of the famous blankets.
26. THE WALKER WOODHEAD HOME
was built about 1885 with two rooms on the first floor and two rooms on the second. It was constructed of local brick laid by E. E. Redmon.
27. THE MCDONALD-HOLT DISTILLERY
was located on the river. Parts of the original distillery are contained within the current mill. Later the structure was sold and became the Tub Fowler Distillery. When
Prohibition became law in 1919, the distillery closed. The buildings were then converted to a grain mill. Also, local honey was bottled here and shipped all over the
United States. The little yellow cottage near the mill was originally known as "The Jigger Room". Here prospective buyers sampled the whiskey for sale.
28. THE CHARITY SOUTHGATE HOUSE
was built in an area of early black settlement which came to be known as "Happy Hollow". Charity, born into slavery about 1806, built this house after obtaining her
freedom because she was half white. She was the Matriarch of many black families that have lived in and around Falmouth.
29. THE SARAH MILLER HOUSE
a three story brick, was built in the late 1800's according to local legend as a "house of ill repute". Sarah Miller, from Cincinnati, acquired the lot in 1877. The house
was then constructed and was financed by a "prominent Falmouth citizen". Located near the railroad, near the main part of town and facing the town livery, the house
did a thriving business until it was sold in 1889.
30. THE E. F. BRADFORD HOME
was built in 1890 by E. F. Bradford, a local businessman. Bradford ran a general merchandise store. He was County School Superintendent, worked at the Falmouth
Deposit Bank, and was Mayor of Falmouth.
31. THE METHODIST CHURCH
or Mary's Chapel is the oldest church still in use in Falmouth. It was built by Augustus Robbins, the first miller in town, in 1854 in memory of his beloved wife, Mary.
Robbins also maintained a pork packing plant near the Courthouse and shipped pork by the flat-boat to New Orleans. He made a large sum of money with his shrewed
dealings in the pork business and felt the need to share his good fortune. Hence, the church was built. The first structure was one story. The second floor and
balcony were added later.
32. THE CONRAD HARDWARE BUILDING
was erected in the late 1800's to serve the community as Applegate Hardware. Later additions were built as the business expanded. The Falmouth Post Office was
located at one time in an upstairs portion.
33. THE BRADFORD HOME
which is in the Queen Ann Style architecture, was built by Henry Bullock in 1892 for a reported price of $8,000.00. It was designed by T. Heinemen and modeled after
the finest homes in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. There are six rooms upstairs and six down with a full attic and basement. The woodwork is in original condition
and the stained glass windows are breathtaking. The home has remained in the same family since erected with many of the original furnishings intact.
34. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
was built in 1873 under the direction of Thomas Jefferson Oldham. The edifice is of the Gothic Revival style with magnificent stained glass windows added after 1900.
35. THE CARRIAGE HOUSE
next to the Christian Church was built about 1891 by Theodore Bradford as a playhouse for his daughter, Bess.
36. THE KELLUM BUILDING
was built in 1873 by the sons of Abdelah Watson against opposition of the widowed mother. She brought suit against them and the store had to be sold. A "Grange
Store" was here in 1876-one of the first Farmer's Organizations in the county. Later it was a grocery store run by the Kellum family.
37. THE WATSON HOTEL
first called "The Pendleton House" , was built to accommodate the rail travel. Abdelah Watson built it about 1857 as a hotel and tavern. The building contained a
ballroom where many festive parties were held. Legend tells us that slaves were housed in the basement as one of the stops on the Underground Railway-slaves fleeing
to Ohio and freedom. Both Union and Confederate soldiers were housed upstairs at different times.
38. THE KENTUCKY CENTRAL RAILROAD
was completed in 1854. Among its builders were Irish laborers, many of whom remained in Falmouth and Pendleton County. The coming of the railroad was probably
the most significant factor in Falmouth's mid-19th century growth. Collins History of Kentucky states that 32 houses were erected in Falmouth in 1869. It was a
"boom" period with many new industries established as well. Near the railroad were several tobacco warehouses, hotels and boarding houses, stores, the stockyard
and a flour mill.
39. THE JAMESON HOUSE
was built in 1868 by George W. Jameson, a dealer in tobacco. The home is the only example of Gothic Revival architecture to be found in Falmouth.
40. THE FALMOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH
is among the oldest Baptist congregations in Kentucky. Sixteen members of the Bryan's Station Church in Fayette County met in 1792 and formed the church.
Alexander Monroe was the minister. The first building was near the Main Licking River in 1801. A brick building was constructed in 1830 on Main Street. It was
replaced in 1854 by a church at the corner of Fourth and Chapel streets. The present building was dedicated in 1931. It is Classic Revival architecture and was
designed by John Gillig of Lexington who also designed the Falmouth Deposit Bank.
41. THE LESLIE APPLEGATE HOUSE
was built by Attorney Applegate in 1884. It is an example of a Victorian Shingle style dwelling. Leslie Applegate later moved his family to Covington where he was
prominent in judicial circles. He was elected a Circuit Judge and served the
public admirably in this position for many years.
42. THE TANNERY
was located on this site early in the 1800's. Harmon Deglow was one of the people to maintain such an establishment here. When the present dwelling was remodeled,
old salt vats that had been used in tanning the hides were discovered.
43. THE BISHOP HOUSE
was a frame building constructed about 1880 and used by Bernard Piening, a contractor. It was converted to a residence in 1886 and purchased by John H. Barker.
Mr. Barker was County Attorney and later County Judge. The house is owned by a granddaughter of Mr. Barker.
44. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
had its groundbreaking September 14, 1872. D. E. Redman, local bricklayer was awarded the contract and built the structure. Prior to this, the Presbyterians, who had
a congregation as early as 1829, met in the homes of church members. The church disbanded in 1932 and sold the building to the Masons (Orion Lodge) for $1500.00.
It has been their lodge ever since.