Gaither, Dr. Nathan, House
100 S. High St., Columbia, KYThe Dr. Nathan Gaither House, located on Main (Greensburg) Street in close proximity to the county courthouse and public square, is one of the two finest Federal houses remaining in Columbia. (The other notable structure is the John Field House, entered on the National Register on February 8, 1978.) The house attains additional historical significance by having been the home of Dr. Nathan Gaither, a prominent local physician, and politician.
The Dr. Nathan Gaither House on town lot 14 two blocks north of the courthouse was completed ca. 1814. The diminutive brick structure is a noteworthy expression of the Federal style. The focal point of the facade is the rather Palladian effect created by the arrangement of the sidelights and fanlight surrounding the front door. Further evidence of the master craftmanship employed in the construction of this building is visible in the interior trim, especially the delicately tooled Federal mantles. This work is attributed to local carpenters James and Benjamin McDowell who are known to have been responsible for the construction of the 1812 John Field House.
Born in Rowan County, North Carolina, Nathan Gaither (1788-1862) came to Kentucky in 1808. He attended Bardstown College before beginning his medical studies, first with his cousin, Dr. Edward Gaither of Springfield, Kentucky, and then at the Philadelphia School of Medicine. During this time, Nathan Gaither volunteered to undergo the vaccination for smallpox which had only recently been developed by Dr. Edward Jenner and was still in the experimental stage. Dr. Gaither also served as a surgeon in the War of 1812.
By the end of the war, Dr. Gaither had settled permanently in Columbia and for the next twenty years was active in political affairs as well as his medical profession. From 1812 to 1817, he held the position of trustee of the town of Columbia. In addition, he was elected to the Kentucky legislature from 1815 to 1818. Dr. Gaither served two consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1829 to 1833, during which time he unsuccessfully opposed the building of a turnpike road through Kentucky and the chartering of the Bank of the United States.
At the conclusion of his second term in Congress, Dr. Gaither began devoting more time to his medical practice at Columbia. Burdened by security debts, Dr. Gaither was eventually forced to sell his house. However, he continued his medical profession until his death, entering politics only twice in later life to serve as a member of the state constitutional convention of 1850 and as a presidential elector in 1861.
Four other persons have owned the house since Dr. Gaither sold it. The present owner, who rents part of the building, has enclosed one of the galleries and added a porch and a carport onto the rear. However, these alterations have not detracted from the overall architectural integrity of the structure.
Local significance of the building:
The Dr. Nathan Gaither House on town lot 14 two blocks north of the courthouse was completed ca. 1814. The diminutive brick structure is a noteworthy expression of the Federal style. The focal point of the facade is the rather Palladian effect created by the arrangement of the sidelights and fanlight surrounding the front door. Further evidence of the master craftmanship employed in the construction of this building is visible in the interior trim, especially the delicately tooled Federal mantles. This work is attributed to local carpenters James and Benjamin McDowell who are known to have been responsible for the construction of the 1812 John Field House.
Born in Rowan County, North Carolina, Nathan Gaither (1788-1862) came to Kentucky in 1808. He attended Bardstown College before beginning his medical studies, first with his cousin, Dr. Edward Gaither of Springfield, Kentucky, and then at the Philadelphia School of Medicine. During this time, Nathan Gaither volunteered to undergo the vaccination for smallpox which had only recently been developed by Dr. Edward Jenner and was still in the experimental stage. Dr. Gaither also served as a surgeon in the War of 1812.
By the end of the war, Dr. Gaither had settled permanently in Columbia and for the next twenty years was active in political affairs as well as his medical profession. From 1812 to 1817, he held the position of trustee of the town of Columbia. In addition, he was elected to the Kentucky legislature from 1815 to 1818. Dr. Gaither served two consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1829 to 1833, during which time he unsuccessfully opposed the building of a turnpike road through Kentucky and the chartering of the Bank of the United States.
At the conclusion of his second term in Congress, Dr. Gaither began devoting more time to his medical practice at Columbia. Burdened by security debts, Dr. Gaither was eventually forced to sell his house. However, he continued his medical profession until his death, entering politics only twice in later life to serve as a member of the state constitutional convention of 1850 and as a presidential elector in 1861.
Four other persons have owned the house since Dr. Gaither sold it. The present owner, who rents part of the building, has enclosed one of the galleries and added a porch and a carport onto the rear. However, these alterations have not detracted from the overall architectural integrity of the structure.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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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The famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has been held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875.
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.