Octagon Hall, Historic octagon house in Franklin, Kentucky.
Octagon Hall is a red brick two-story structure with eight sides located in Franklin. The front portions display detailed brickwork in a decorative Flemish bond pattern, while the other sides use a simpler common bond technique.
Construction began in 1847 under Andrew Jackson Caldwell's direction, reflecting a building trend gaining popularity across America at that time. During the Civil War, the building was used as a hospital by both Confederate and Union forces.
The octagon design became popular in America during the 1840s and 1850s, when some builders believed the eight-sided shape provided better air circulation and more usable interior space. Visitors can see how this progressive idea was put into practice through the building's floor plan and room arrangement.
The museum inside contains Civil War artifacts, Native American objects, and genealogical materials shown through guided tours available throughout the year. Visitors should check ahead to confirm days and times when the building is open for visits.
The property includes a cemetery for formerly enslaved people and a detached summer kitchen building that dates to the original construction period. These structures provide a fuller picture of how the property functioned in its early years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
