William Forst House, Federal style historic house in Russellville, Kentucky, United States.
The William Forst House is a two-story brick building with ten interior rooms, including a large second-floor ballroom. The structure displays classical Federal-style architecture typical of early Kentucky residences built for prominent local families.
Built in 1820, the house became historically significant when delegates gathered there in 1861 to establish a Confederate governmental body for Kentucky. This event placed the location at the center of regional developments during the Civil War period.
The house reflects the craftsmanship of its builder, William Forst, an English cabinetmaker whose attention to detail appears in the carved mantels and interior woodwork. These fine touches show how local artisans expressed their status and skills through their homes.
The house is located in Russellville and holds a protected historic status that governs its use today. Visitors should be aware that access may be limited due to its continued use, so checking local information beforehand is helpful.
The original construction notably lacked windows on the side walls, a design choice rooted in safety concerns during early settlement. This feature reflects the practical realities builders faced when establishing homes in frontier areas.
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