Governor William Owsley House

The Governor William Owsley House is a three-story residence with Federal architecture elements located in Lancaster, Kentucky. The building features symmetrical proportions and refined details in its brick construction with stone accents.

The owner built this house in 1804 while working as a young lawyer, well before he was elected the 16th Governor of Kentucky. The building reflects his rising prominence during the early years of the state.

The dining room displays French hand-painted wallpaper showing a stag hunt scene, reflecting the taste and wealth of the early 1800s. This wall covering shows how wealthy families furnished their homes with imported European craftsmanship.

The site now operates as a museum, offering visitors a look into the family through displayed portraits and furnished rooms. The grounds span several acres, allowing for a comfortable walk through the gardens and around the exterior of the building.

The Garrard County Historical Society rescued the building from deterioration and opened it as a public museum in 1997. This restoration effort made it possible to preserve the interior furnishings and family history for future generations.

Location: Kentucky

Architectural style: Federal architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.60878,-84.58011

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:41