National Register Listing

Old Wash Place

9 mi. W of Lawrenceburg at jct. of U.S. 62 and KY 53, Lawrenceburg, KY
The central portion of the cabin known as The Old Wash Place is believed to have been built by Benjamin Wash, a Revolutionary War veteran, in about 1791. It is believed to be the oldest surviving structure of its kind in Anderson County. The original cabin was later expanded by Benjamin's son, John. John Wash was a farmer and also played an active political role in the formation of Anderson County. The Old Wash Place is significant as the home of one of Anderson County's first settlers and a respected family of the community, as well as an interesting example of the extended log house.

The Wash family was originally from Louisa County, Virginia. The brothers Thomas and Benjamin Wash (1738-1798) having served in the Revolutionary War, were given small land grants in Kentucky and moved there shortly thereafter. Benjamin Wash had been wounded in the leg at the Battle of King's Mountain, but this did not prevent him from establishing and operating a prosperous farm.

Benjamin Wash's land grant extended to the Salt River near the mouth of Indian Creek in what was then Nelson County (later Washington and now Anderson County). He settled on this land around 1791.

Before coming to Kentucky, Wash married Jemima Peyton. They had at least five children. Their son John Wash (1788-1871) had purchased land on his own right near Sinai (a small community 11 miles southwest of Lawrenceburg). Around 1819, when his father's will was executed, he inherited his father's land and bought his mother's adjoining property. John Wash married Rebecca Watkins in April 1808. They lived in the cabin located on Wilderness Road and Beaver Creek.

In order to accommodate his growing family, Wash added two rooms to the west side with a dogtrot connecting it to the original cabin. At the same time, or perhaps a little later, a large room was added on the east side of the original.

John Wash had a keen interest in politics and civil welfare. Wash is credited with being responsible for the beginning of the educational and religious development of the Sinai (Shilo) community. He engaged a private teacher to instruct his children and other children in the community. Wash built a small log structure on his property near his home for use as a school. (It no longer exists.)
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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 was originally part of Virginia and was known as the "Kentucky County" until it became a separate state in 1792.
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 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.