National Register Listing

Fields' House

Hwy. 1183, Springfield, KY
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
Kentucky random facts
Washington County, KY has a rich and diverse history that stretches back several centuries. Established in 1792, it was named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee nations. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, primarily from Virginia and Maryland, and began to establish farms and settlements.

Washington County played a significant role in the frontier history of Kentucky. During the American Revolutionary War, it was a strategic location and saw several skirmishes between Native American tribes and settlers. The Battle of the Cornstalk Gristmill, fought in 1780, was a notable conflict in the area. As the frontier expanded and more settlers arrived, the county grew and prospered.

In the early 19th century, Washington County experienced a period of significant growth and development. The county seat, Springfield, was established in 1793 and became the center of social and economic activity in the area. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, was a major industry, and the county became known for its high-quality crops. The construction of roads and the arrival of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in the mid-19th century further stimulated trade and transportation in the region.

In the 20th century, Washington County faced both challenges and opportunities. The decline of tobacco farming impacted the local economy, but new industries emerged, such as dairy farming and limestone quarrying. The community has also worked to preserve its historical landmarks and promote tourism. Today, Washington County is a vibrant and welcoming community, proud of its heritage and focused on the future.

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

  • 1780s: Settlement begins in the area that would become Washington County as pioneers move westward in Kentucky.
  • 1792: Washington County is officially established as one of the first three counties in Kentucky.
  • 1793: Springfield is designated as the county seat of Washington County.
  • 1800s: The population of Washington County grows as more settlers arrive and establish farms in the area.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Washington County sees military action and experiences the impact of the conflict.
  • Early 20th century: Washington County continues to be primarily an agricultural community with tobacco being the main cash crop.
  • 1937: The Great Flood of 1937 devastates Washington County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • Late 20th century: Washington County experiences changes in its economy, with a decline in agriculture and an increase in tourism.
  • Present: Washington County remains a rural county known for its historic sites and natural beauty.