1807 Morgan Row

Harrodsburg is Kentucky's oldest town, having been founded in 1774 by James Harrod, an early Kentucky explorer. Once a part of Virginia, Harrodsburg served as the seat of government for the then Kentucky County. This magnificent row house was built in 1807 by Joseph Morgan, whose tavern quickly became the business and social center for the town. An historic marker in front notes that in 1836 it hosted a reunion of survivors of the Battle of the Thames, a decisive victory by the Americans over the British in the War of 1812. In attendance for the reunion was Richard M. Johnson, who the following year would become Vice President of the United States under Martin Van Buren. It was said that Johnson personally killed Tecumseh, leader of the Indian forces, at the Battle of the Thames. He used this to his advantage during the election, campaigning with the slogan "Rumpsey Dumpsey, Rumpsey Dumpsey, Colonel Johnson killed Tecumseh." Four years later he and Van Buren were replaced by William Henry Harrison and John Tyler. Ironically, Harrison had been Johnson's commander at the Battle of the Thames.

Today the row house is commercial and museum space. The brightly painted doors give variety to the facade, as well as inviting patrons into the building.