Field, John, House
111 E. Fortune St., Columbia, KYThe John Field House, occupying a prominent location on the corner of East Fortune and Reed Streets in Columbia, is the finest remaining Federal house in the town. The residence also attains significance by having played an important role in the history of Columbia, and by having been built for one of the town's leading citizens.
John Field was born in Bedford County, Virginia, and was the stepson of John Hurt, a Revolutionary War veteran and an early pioneer of what is now Adair County. Field owned a general store on the corner of Jamestown Street and the Town Square, and owned half interest in a nail factory. These business interests were quite successful, and Field was reputed to have been among the wealthiest men in the area. In addition, he served as Adair County's first jailor.
In 1812, Field employed two local master craftsmen, James, and Benjamin McDowell, to construct a substantial residence on lot 76, one of the most desirable locations in Columbia due to its proximity to the Town Square. The product is a rather fine Federal house of brick laid in Flemish bond on the front and sides. The openings of the main facade are well proportioned, and the entrance is given a refined air with its attractive frontispiece.
John Marshall Clemens, the father of the famed writer Samuel Clemens, boarded with the Fields and practiced law in the second floor's hall. In 1836, he married Jane Lampton of Columbia, and this was their home for two years. Jane Clemens' biographer recorded that Jane thought the Field House to be the most handsome place in town. A biographer of Samuel Clemens reiterates this assertion by stating that this was undoubted "the most handsome of the dwellings in which they the Clemens lived, during a quarter century of steadily waning fortunes. "
After the Fields' deaths, the house became the residence of the Reverend David Page, a Presbyterian minister who came to Columbia to serve as President of the Columbia College (est. 1836). This institution was an outgrowth of the former Robertson Academy (est. 1812), the first school in Columbia. For several years, Reverend Page's wife, Hannah, taught the college's Girls Department in the large drawing room on the first floor. The school later moved to a more permanent location, and the Field House has since been used continuously as a private residence, Frame appendages have been added to the rear, but the front facade and the exterior side walls remain unaltered.
Local significance of the building:
John Field was born in Bedford County, Virginia, and was the stepson of John Hurt, a Revolutionary War veteran and an early pioneer of what is now Adair County. Field owned a general store on the corner of Jamestown Street and the Town Square, and owned half interest in a nail factory. These business interests were quite successful, and Field was reputed to have been among the wealthiest men in the area. In addition, he served as Adair County's first jailor.
In 1812, Field employed two local master craftsmen, James, and Benjamin McDowell, to construct a substantial residence on lot 76, one of the most desirable locations in Columbia due to its proximity to the Town Square. The product is a rather fine Federal house of brick laid in Flemish bond on the front and sides. The openings of the main facade are well proportioned, and the entrance is given a refined air with its attractive frontispiece.
John Marshall Clemens, the father of the famed writer Samuel Clemens, boarded with the Fields and practiced law in the second floor's hall. In 1836, he married Jane Lampton of Columbia, and this was their home for two years. Jane Clemens' biographer recorded that Jane thought the Field House to be the most handsome place in town. A biographer of Samuel Clemens reiterates this assertion by stating that this was undoubted "the most handsome of the dwellings in which they the Clemens lived, during a quarter century of steadily waning fortunes. "
After the Fields' deaths, the house became the residence of the Reverend David Page, a Presbyterian minister who came to Columbia to serve as President of the Columbia College (est. 1836). This institution was an outgrowth of the former Robertson Academy (est. 1812), the first school in Columbia. For several years, Reverend Page's wife, Hannah, taught the college's Girls Department in the large drawing room on the first floor. The school later moved to a more permanent location, and the Field House has since been used continuously as a private residence, Frame appendages have been added to the rear, but the front facade and the exterior side walls remain unaltered.
Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
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During the Civil War, Kentucky was officially neutral, but the state was divided in its loyalties, with many citizens fighting on both sides of the conflict.
About Adair County
Adair County Timeline
Adair County, located in Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who used the land for hunting and fishing.
European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1792. The county was named after John Adair, a Revolutionary War veteran and politician who would go on to become the eighth governor of Kentucky. Adair County played a role in the War of 1812, as it was a strategic location for military movements.
During the 19th century, Adair County experienced significant growth and development. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-1800s brought increased trade and transportation opportunities to the area. Agriculture became a major industry, with tobacco and hemp being the primary crops. The county also became a hub for education, with the establishment of Adair County Schools and Lindsey Wilson College.
In the 20th century, Adair County continued to evolve. World War II brought changes to the county, as many residents served in the military, while others supported the war effort on the homefront. The post-war era saw the decline of traditional agricultural industries, leading to a shift towards manufacturing and other sectors.
Today, Adair County is a vibrant community that celebrates its history while looking towards the future. It is home to a thriving downtown area, numerous recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community pride. The county continues to embrace its agricultural roots while also embracing new industries and opportunities for growth.
European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1792. The county was named after John Adair, a Revolutionary War veteran and politician who would go on to become the eighth governor of Kentucky. Adair County played a role in the War of 1812, as it was a strategic location for military movements.
During the 19th century, Adair County experienced significant growth and development. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-1800s brought increased trade and transportation opportunities to the area. Agriculture became a major industry, with tobacco and hemp being the primary crops. The county also became a hub for education, with the establishment of Adair County Schools and Lindsey Wilson College.
In the 20th century, Adair County continued to evolve. World War II brought changes to the county, as many residents served in the military, while others supported the war effort on the homefront. The post-war era saw the decline of traditional agricultural industries, leading to a shift towards manufacturing and other sectors.
Today, Adair County is a vibrant community that celebrates its history while looking towards the future. It is home to a thriving downtown area, numerous recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community pride. The county continues to embrace its agricultural roots while also embracing new industries and opportunities for growth.
Adair County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Adair County, Kentucky.
- 1801 - Adair County is established on December 11.
- 1802 - The first settlers arrive in the area.
- 1806 - The town of Columbia is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1814 - The first courthouse is constructed in Columbia.
- 1838 - A new brick courthouse is built in Columbia.
- 1861-1865 - Adair County residents participate in the Civil War.
- 1887 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad arrives in Columbia.
- 1931 - The Green River Lake is created by the completion of a dam.
- 1952 - A new courthouse building is constructed in Columbia.
- 1980 - The Adair County Public Library is established.
- 2009 - The Westlake Regional Hospital opens in Columbia.