Whitney, Andrew M., House and Barn
a.k.a. AL-22;AL-23;John Whitney Plantation
KY 1855 NE of Scottsville, Scottsville, KYThe A.M. Whitney House and Barn (AL-22 and AL-23), located in eastern Allen County, Kentucky, meets National Register eligibility criterion B and is significant within the historic context of Motorized Transportation in Kentucky, 1900-1945. The house is an important local resource for showing the success of Whitney, an early trucking magnate. While the site was a farm early in the nineteenth century, and the main residence predates the Civil War, the property is proposed for nomination for its more recent association with Whitney. Whitney, through his family, has been associated with the farm since his birth. The Period of significance has been selected to highlight both his success in the trucking business and the physical changes he made to the farm in response to that success. Whitney started his trucking business in 1923; the Period of Significance begins in 1930 when Whitney made the first noticeable changes on the farm and ended in 1941 when he sold the trucking company which he founded. Whitney pioneered an over-the-road trucking business in the early 1920s when Kentucky's highway infrastructure was poorly developed. Whitney's company, headquartered in Bowling Green, grew during an era when trucking companies throughout the nation began to displace railroads as the main cargo carriers. His company's rise despite the economic slowdown of the Great Depression makes it a paradigm of this transition. With retirement in mind, he made several changes to update the property in the later 1930s. The property is currently owned by Whitney's family descendant and remains highly similar to its 1930s appearance.
This property is one of several extant properties associated with Whitney. His main operations office and residence stand in Bowling Green. Those properties also foster awareness of Whitney and his accomplishments and could be seen as having statewide significance. The historic context developed for this nomination would find those properties as significant to our understanding of his value, and so, be eligible for National Register listing. The property nominated in this submission is of local significance because it illustrates Whitney's personal side more so than it speaks of his multi-state trucking business.
Local significance of the building:
This property is one of several extant properties associated with Whitney. His main operations office and residence stand in Bowling Green. Those properties also foster awareness of Whitney and his accomplishments and could be seen as having statewide significance. The historic context developed for this nomination would find those properties as significant to our understanding of his value, and so, be eligible for National Register listing. The property nominated in this submission is of local significance because it illustrates Whitney's personal side more so than it speaks of his multi-state trucking business.
Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first bourbon whiskey was distilled in Kentucky in the late 18th century. Today, Kentucky is known for its bourbon production and is home to many famous bourbon distilleries.
About Allen County
Allen County Timeline
Allen County is located in south-central Kentucky and was established in 1815. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokees and Shawnees, before European settlers arrived. The county was named after Colonel John Allen, a lawyer and soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
In the early years of settlement, Allen County was primarily an agricultural community, with tobacco being the primary cash crop. The economy grew steadily, and by the mid-19th century, a thriving economy was built on farming, livestock, and small-scale manufacturing. However, the county faced challenges during the Civil War as it was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union while others sympathized with the Confederacy.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Allen County witnessed growth and development. The railroad arrived, connecting the county to larger markets and fostering economic growth. Schools were established, and the population increased as more people moved to the area seeking economic opportunities. Agriculture remained a significant sector of the economy, but other industries, such as coal mining and the timber industry, also emerged.
In recent times, Allen County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing economic conditions. Agriculture remains an important part of the county's economy, but there has been a shift towards diversified farming and the development of non-agricultural industries. The county is known for its strong sense of community and has invested in infrastructure and amenities such as parks, schools, and healthcare facilities to improve the quality of life for its residents.
In the early years of settlement, Allen County was primarily an agricultural community, with tobacco being the primary cash crop. The economy grew steadily, and by the mid-19th century, a thriving economy was built on farming, livestock, and small-scale manufacturing. However, the county faced challenges during the Civil War as it was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union while others sympathized with the Confederacy.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Allen County witnessed growth and development. The railroad arrived, connecting the county to larger markets and fostering economic growth. Schools were established, and the population increased as more people moved to the area seeking economic opportunities. Agriculture remained a significant sector of the economy, but other industries, such as coal mining and the timber industry, also emerged.
In recent times, Allen County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing economic conditions. Agriculture remains an important part of the county's economy, but there has been a shift towards diversified farming and the development of non-agricultural industries. The county is known for its strong sense of community and has invested in infrastructure and amenities such as parks, schools, and healthcare facilities to improve the quality of life for its residents.
Allen County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Allen County, Kentucky.
- 1815 - Allen County is founded and named after Colonel John Allen, a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
- 1820 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Scottsville.
- 1832 - The town of Scottsville is officially incorporated.
- 1861-1865 - Allen County residents serve in the American Civil War.
- 1902 - The Scottsville Collegiate Institute is founded.
- 1936 - The Old Union School, a historic one-room schoolhouse, is moved to Scottsville.
- 1937 - The Scottsville-Jefferson Davis Monument State Park is established.
- 1986 - The Allen County War Memorial is dedicated.
- 2014 - The Allen County-Scottsville High School is opened.