McBrayer-Clark House
a.k.a. Champ Clark House
N of Lawrenceburg on KY 326, Lawrenceburg, KYThe Stone House was the boyhood home of James Beauchamp (Champ) Clark, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 1911-1919, and Democratic contender for the Presidential nomination in 1912. It is also thought to be one of the oldest buildings in Anderson County, having been erected prior to 1792 when Kentucky was still a part of Virginia. One of only three stone houses still standing in Anderson County, its almost perfect stone walls reveals the skill of early masons. It has been featured in numerous articles dealing with stone structures and in publications regarding the life of Champ Clark, who lived here as a boy.
James Beauchamp (Champ) Clark (1850-1921) was born nearby. He attended the University of Kentucky, taught school in Anderson County (1870-1871), and graduated from Bethany College, West Virginia in 1873. . For a year. (1873-1874) he was the President of Marshall College in Huntington, West Virginia, the first normal school in the state. He studied law at the Cincinnati Law School, then settled in Missouri where he became a city attorney and newspaper editor before turning to politics, where he represented Missouri in the U.S. Congress for 24 years. He led the defeat of Cannonism, control of the House by the Speaker, then was chosen to be Speaker of the House and served from 1911 to 1919. In 1912 he became a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President. In the convention, he was ahead of Woodrow Wilson until the fourteenth ballot when he lost William Jenning Bryan's support. He died in 1921 at the age of 71.
Local significance of the building:
James Beauchamp (Champ) Clark (1850-1921) was born nearby. He attended the University of Kentucky, taught school in Anderson County (1870-1871), and graduated from Bethany College, West Virginia in 1873. . For a year. (1873-1874) he was the President of Marshall College in Huntington, West Virginia, the first normal school in the state. He studied law at the Cincinnati Law School, then settled in Missouri where he became a city attorney and newspaper editor before turning to politics, where he represented Missouri in the U.S. Congress for 24 years. He led the defeat of Cannonism, control of the House by the Speaker, then was chosen to be Speaker of the House and served from 1911 to 1919. In 1912 he became a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President. In the convention, he was ahead of Woodrow Wilson until the fourteenth ballot when he lost William Jenning Bryan's support. He died in 1921 at the age of 71.
Politics/government; 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.
Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the bluegrass that grows in many of its pastures.
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 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.