Historical Marker

Commodore Joshua Barney

Famous American privateer and naval hero in War of 1812. Barney owned many acres of land in Hardin Co. A friend of George Washington, John Paul Jones and Napoleon Bonaparte. His greatest desire was to bring his family to Elizabethtown but he died en route, December 1, 1818. Buried, Pittsburgh. His wife came on to Elizabethtown and lived in this house a few years.

(Reverse) First Brick House - Site of Elizabethtown's first brick house, built 1801-1803 for Major Benjamin Helm. He was a prominent court clerk and town's first bank president. Helm rode horseback to Lexington, 90 miles, for nails. Sold the house and two acres of land to Joshua Barney, who wanted to end his days here. Later, home of Elizabethtown's historian, Samuel Haycraft.