National Register Listing

Gower House

Water St., Smithland, KY
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the bluegrass that grows in many of its pastures.
Kentucky random facts
Livingston County, Kentucky has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county itself was established in December 1798 and named after Robert R. Livingston, a prominent New York politician who served as Chancellor of New York and helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase.

The area that is now Livingston County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with pioneers moving into the region attracted by its fertile land and proximity to the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. The county became an important agricultural center, with crops like tobacco and corn being grown and traded.

During the Civil War, Livingston County like much of Kentucky was divided in allegiances. While it officially remained loyal to the Union, it had many Confederate sympathizers. The county was subject to raids and skirmishes throughout the war, and its strategic location along the Mississippi River made it an important target for both sides.

In the decades following the Civil War, Livingston County saw significant economic growth and development. The railroad came to the county, connecting it with nearby cities and allowing for increased trade and transportation. The county continued to rely heavily on agriculture, but also began to diversify its economy, with industries such as coal mining and manufacturing becoming important sources of employment.

Today, Livingston County remains a picturesque area with a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. Friendly communities, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreational opportunities draw visitors to explore its rich history and enjoy the scenic landscapes that make Livingston County a special place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Livingston County, Kentucky.

  • 1820 - Livingston County is officially established as a county in Kentucky.
  • 1833 - The county courthouse is completed for the first time.
  • 1837 - The county's first newspaper, the Livingston Enquirer, is published.
  • 1850 - The population of Livingston County reaches its peak at around 7,400 residents.
  • 1861-1865 - Livingston County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1883 - The county courthouse is destroyed by fire and is subsequently rebuilt.
  • 1927 - The Ohio River flood devastates Livingston County and its surrounding areas.
  • 1949 - The construction of the Kentucky Dam transforms the landscape and economy of the county.
  • 1950s-1960s - The county experiences a decline in population due to changing economic conditions.
  • 2010 - Livingston County is home to approximately 9,500 residents.