Historical Marker

Edgewood

Right wing built, 1815, main part, 1819, by Ben Hardin, noted lawyer, statesman, member Kentucky Legislature and U.S. Congress. Hardin born in Penn., 1784; his daughter married John L. Helm, twice Ky. Governor and President L&N R.R. Their son Ben Hardin Helm, CSA Gen., born here, 1831, married Emilie Todd, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of 16th U.S. President.

Reverse

Edgewood - General Leonidas Polk used this as headquarters during Confederate occupation of Bardstown. Barbecues here in the 1840's brought Henry Clay, Judge John Rowan and John J. Crittenden as speakers. Other notable visitors included Cassius M. Clay, Gen. William Preston, Felix Grundy, Jesse Bledsoe. In rear of place is site of famous Rowan-Chambers 1801 duel.