National Register Listing

Dowling House

321 S. Main St., Lawrenceburg, KY
The Dowling House, built in 1886, was the home of John Dowling, who figured prominently in the distilling industry of Anderson County. By 1825, Lawrenceburg had become one of the state's six major centers in the production of whiskey along with Louisville, Lexington, Bardstown, Frankfort, and Harrodsburg, and this industry has remained an integral factor in the economy of Anderson County. Under John Dowling's ownership and supervision, three brands of Anderson County bourbon achieved national renown. Although the Dowling family is no longer involved in the distilling business, whiskey is still produced under the Dowling label in Lawrenceburg. Also, in addition to its historical associations, the Dowling House is one of Lawrenceburg's more outstanding late nineteenth-century residences.

At the age of twelve, John Dowling and his brother came to America from Ireland as a result of the potato famine of the 1840s. In 1872, he moved to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and established a cooper shop. In partnership with T. P. Ripy, also of Lawrenceburg, Dowling operated a distillery in Clover Bottom at Tyrone, three miles east of Lawrenceburg. He later sold his interests to Ripy and bought the Waterfill and Frazier plant, also at Tyrone. After his death in 1902, his wife Mary M. Dowling continued the operation of the Waterfill and Frazier distillery, moving the plant to Juarez, Mexico during Prohibition. Waterfill and Frazier is still being produced at Juarez. Dowling's third enterprise was the purchase of the Walker distillery near Lawrenceburg, and at this plant, whiskey was produced under the label old Dowling. Old Dowling is still manufactured near Lawrenceburg. Mary M. Dowling continued the family business until her death in 1925, and the Dowling family retained stock in the distillery until ten years ago.

Architecturally, the Dowling House is one of the highlights along South Main Street, being situated within two blocks of the courthouse, at the point where the commercial district fades into Lawrenceburg's residential area. The Dowling House is among the finer remaining examples of late nineteenth-century Italianate and Queen Anne residences that once lined the street.
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

industry architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The Kentucky State Capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky, is the only state capitol in the United States that has a working railroad track running directly underneath it.
Kentucky random facts
Anderson County, Kentucky has a rich and interesting history that stretches back to the early 18th century. The area was initially settled by pioneers in the mid-1700s, attracted by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources. The county was officially established in 1827 and named after Richard Clough Anderson Jr., a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

During the early years of Anderson County, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. Farmers relied heavily on tobacco, hemp, and livestock production to support their families and contribute to the local economy. The county also had a significant iron industry, with several iron furnaces established during the 1800s.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Anderson County, as it experienced both Confederate and Union occupation. The Battle of Lawrenceburg, which took place in the county in 1862, was a significant event during the war. The county was home to both Confederate and Union sympathizers, which led to tensions and conflicts throughout the war.

In the late 19th century, Anderson County underwent significant economic and industrial development. Railroad lines were built, connecting the county to larger cities and markets. This led to the growth of businesses and the creation of new jobs. The county also saw the rise of tobacco warehouses and distilleries, which became crucial industries. Today, Anderson County continues to thrive as a rural community with a mix of agriculture and small businesses, while also embracing its historical roots.

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

  • 1827 - Anderson County is established as the 62nd county in Kentucky.
  • 1840-1850 - Anderson County experiences a population boom due to the growth of the railroad industry.
  • 1861-1865 - The American Civil War impacts Anderson County, with many residents serving in the military.
  • 1882 - Lawrenceburg becomes the county seat of Anderson County.
  • 1904 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad extends its line through Anderson County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardship in Anderson County as agriculture prices plummet.
  • 1950s-1960s - Anderson County experiences suburbanization, with an increase in residential development and a decline in agriculture.
  • 1980s - The opening of the Bluegrass Parkway brings increased tourism and economic opportunities to Anderson County.
  • 2004 - The Wild Turkey Distillery opens in Lawrenceburg, becoming a major tourist attraction.
  • Present - Anderson County continues to be a blend of rural landscapes, suburban neighborhoods, and growing commerce.