Kavanaugh Academy
a.k.a. Kavanaugh High School
241 E. Woodford St., Lawrenceburg, KYConstructed in the 1880s as the home and office of Dr. Charles W. Kavanaugh. this building also housed Mrs. Kavanaugh's school. It is a large house with spacious porches and an Ionic colossal order portico. It is probably the most widely known private dwelling in Anderson County. From 1904 to - 1909, it was the Kavanaugh Academy; from 1909 to 1920, the Anderson County High School; and from 1920 to 1949, the Kavanaugh High School.
Dr. Charles W. Kavanaugh received his M.D. degree in 1885 and began his practice in Lawrenceburg. In addition to his medical practice, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in St. Louis, VicePresident of Kentucky Midland Medical Society, Mayor of Lawrenceburg; -- and he was active in church and civic affairs.
Rhoda Kavanaugh, or "Mrs. K." as she was affectionately known, dedicate ed her life to teaching, and built the school into an institution recognized nationwide for its instruction.' Mrs. Kavanaugh, already a popular teacher at the time of her marriage to Dr. Kavanaugh, opened a school for small children in their home in 1903. At first, she was the school's only teacher. When additional faculty members were required, she continued as principal. Largely through the efforts of Mrs. Kavanaugh, a $40,000 gymnasium, the first in Anderson County, was built behind the dwelling and school. Dr. Kavanaugh died in 1930, but Mrs. Kavanaugh remained with the school until her retirement in 1945.
Though this school gained wide recognition for its scholastic and athletic accomplishments, it gained national recognition as a preparatory school for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. The first of these students enrolled as private students in 1914 and, altogether 150 young men attended the school. Because of its excellent training and the accomplishments of its graduates, the school was frequently referred to as "Little Annapolis." Among its former students were several distinguished naval officers who graduated from Annapolis; they included fourteen Captains, five Rear Admirals, one Vice Admiral, and one Admiral. Distinguished army officers who graduated from West Point included: four Colonels, one Brigadier General, and one Major General. Other Kavanaugh alumni gained prominence in politics, education, and religion.
At Mrs. Kavanaugh's school, emphasis was placed on rigorous physical and intellectual training. Alumni have described the academic courses and physical discipline of the school as being more strenuous than that of the service academies, themselves.
Local significance of the building:
Dr. Charles W. Kavanaugh received his M.D. degree in 1885 and began his practice in Lawrenceburg. In addition to his medical practice, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in St. Louis, VicePresident of Kentucky Midland Medical Society, Mayor of Lawrenceburg; -- and he was active in church and civic affairs.
Rhoda Kavanaugh, or "Mrs. K." as she was affectionately known, dedicate ed her life to teaching, and built the school into an institution recognized nationwide for its instruction.' Mrs. Kavanaugh, already a popular teacher at the time of her marriage to Dr. Kavanaugh, opened a school for small children in their home in 1903. At first, she was the school's only teacher. When additional faculty members were required, she continued as principal. Largely through the efforts of Mrs. Kavanaugh, a $40,000 gymnasium, the first in Anderson County, was built behind the dwelling and school. Dr. Kavanaugh died in 1930, but Mrs. Kavanaugh remained with the school until her retirement in 1945.
Though this school gained wide recognition for its scholastic and athletic accomplishments, it gained national recognition as a preparatory school for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. The first of these students enrolled as private students in 1914 and, altogether 150 young men attended the school. Because of its excellent training and the accomplishments of its graduates, the school was frequently referred to as "Little Annapolis." Among its former students were several distinguished naval officers who graduated from Annapolis; they included fourteen Captains, five Rear Admirals, one Vice Admiral, and one Admiral. Distinguished army officers who graduated from West Point included: four Colonels, one Brigadier General, and one Major General. Other Kavanaugh alumni gained prominence in politics, education, and religion.
At Mrs. Kavanaugh's school, emphasis was placed on rigorous physical and intellectual training. Alumni have described the academic courses and physical discipline of the school as being more strenuous than that of the service academies, themselves.
Military; Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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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Kentucky was the site of many important battles during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Perryville, which was the largest battle fought in the state.
About Anderson County
Anderson County Timeline
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.
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.
Anderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.