Barlow House
a.k.a. BA-79
Jct. of Broadway and S. Fifth St., Barlow, KYThe Barlow House in Barlow, Kentucky is significant dueto its association with important local figures in Barlow's commercial development. It was the home of Clifton J. Barlow, the leading citizen of Barlow, Kentucky at the turn of the century and the town's main promoter of growth and economic development. His efforts led to a period of community expansion for Barlow between 1900 and 1910. The house meets criterion C by being the most elegant and monumental domestic structure ever constructed in Ballard County. The Barlow House is also one of the most significant turn-of-the-century structures located in the Jackson Purchase region of Kentucky. In this respect, the Barlow House ranks in importance with the Dieugud House in Murray, the Oakwood Farm in Hickman, Whitehaven in Paducah, and the Stilley House in Benton as an outstanding examples of turn-of-the-century architecture. Like all of these structures, the Barlow House has been the most notable domestic structure in the community since its construction and has always set the standard against which all other local architecture is compared.
The Barlow House is located in Ballard County, one of the eight counties that make up the Jackson Purchase, the westernmost region of Kentucky. Roughly square in shape, the county is bordered by the curving Ohio River to the north and west. The county is largely agricultural, with crops of tobacco, corn, and soybeans being raised, and the small towns in the county are agriculturally oriented in the goods and services they provide.
The first settlers came to the Ballard County area in 1818 to settle along Humphries Creek, a tributary of the Ohio River. In 1842, the Kentucky General Assembly created Ballard County from sections of McCracken County and Hickman County. In 1849, Thomas Jefferson Barlow moved to the county from Scott County and founded the town of Barlow, known in the nineteenth century as Barlow City. Thomas Barlow operated a hotel, a prosperous operation that took advantage of the town's location between the large communities of Cairo, Illinois, and Paducah, Kentucky. Barlow also sold lots for the newly-founded town that grew up around his hotel. A man of many talents, Barlow also served as the surveyor in 1863 for the construction of a road leading from Fort Jefferson on the Mississippi River to Caledonia. His surveying expertise must have also been helpful in the laying out of streets and lots for the new town.
Local significance of the building:
The Barlow House is located in Ballard County, one of the eight counties that make up the Jackson Purchase, the westernmost region of Kentucky. Roughly square in shape, the county is bordered by the curving Ohio River to the north and west. The county is largely agricultural, with crops of tobacco, corn, and soybeans being raised, and the small towns in the county are agriculturally oriented in the goods and services they provide.
The first settlers came to the Ballard County area in 1818 to settle along Humphries Creek, a tributary of the Ohio River. In 1842, the Kentucky General Assembly created Ballard County from sections of McCracken County and Hickman County. In 1849, Thomas Jefferson Barlow moved to the county from Scott County and founded the town of Barlow, known in the nineteenth century as Barlow City. Thomas Barlow operated a hotel, a prosperous operation that took advantage of the town's location between the large communities of Cairo, Illinois, and Paducah, Kentucky. Barlow also sold lots for the newly-founded town that grew up around his hotel. A man of many talents, Barlow also served as the surveyor in 1863 for the construction of a road leading from Fort Jefferson on the Mississippi River to Caledonia. His surveying expertise must have also been helpful in the laying out of streets and lots for the new town.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
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 a place where the natural wonders of the Bluegrass State will leave you in awe.
About Ballard County
Ballard County Timeline
Ballard County, Kentucky has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes before European explorers arrived. In 1818, Ballard County was established and named after Capt. Bland Ballard, a Revolutionary War hero. The county's location along the Mississippi River played a crucial role in its development.
In the early years, agriculture was the primary industry in Ballard County. Farms were established to cultivate crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The fertile soil and favorable climate made the county an ideal location for agricultural activities. As transportation improved with the construction of roads and river ports, the county's economy grew.
By the mid-1800s, the Mississippi River became a vital transportation route for trade and commerce. Ballard County's riverfront location allowed it to become a hub for shipping and transportation. Several river towns, such as Blandville and Wickliffe, prospered as trade centers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further enhanced the county's connectivity and economic potential.
During the Civil War, Ballard County, like many other regions in Kentucky, experienced division and conflict. While some residents supported the Union, others sympathized with the Confederacy. Battles and skirmishes took place in the area, leading to disruptions and hardship for the local population. However, the county rebounded after the war, and agriculture and trade continued to thrive.
Today, Ballard County remains closely linked to its agricultural roots, with farming and agribusiness serving as prominent sectors. The county's strategic location along the river and its transportation network continue to support its economic growth. Historical sites, museums, and festivals celebrate the county's heritage, providing residents and visitors alike with a glimpse into its proud history.
In the early years, agriculture was the primary industry in Ballard County. Farms were established to cultivate crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The fertile soil and favorable climate made the county an ideal location for agricultural activities. As transportation improved with the construction of roads and river ports, the county's economy grew.
By the mid-1800s, the Mississippi River became a vital transportation route for trade and commerce. Ballard County's riverfront location allowed it to become a hub for shipping and transportation. Several river towns, such as Blandville and Wickliffe, prospered as trade centers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further enhanced the county's connectivity and economic potential.
During the Civil War, Ballard County, like many other regions in Kentucky, experienced division and conflict. While some residents supported the Union, others sympathized with the Confederacy. Battles and skirmishes took place in the area, leading to disruptions and hardship for the local population. However, the county rebounded after the war, and agriculture and trade continued to thrive.
Today, Ballard County remains closely linked to its agricultural roots, with farming and agribusiness serving as prominent sectors. The county's strategic location along the river and its transportation network continue to support its economic growth. Historical sites, museums, and festivals celebrate the county's heritage, providing residents and visitors alike with a glimpse into its proud history.
Ballard County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ballard County, Kentucky.
- 1822 - Ballard County is formed from parts of Hickman County and McCracken County.
- 1823 - The county is named after Captain Bland Ballard, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War.
- 1824 - The county seat is established in a town called Blandville.
- 1831 - The first courthouse is built in Blandville.
- 1849 - The Mississippi River floods, causing significant damage to the county.
- 1854 - The county seat is moved from Blandville to Wickliffe.
- 1861-1865 - Ballard County experiences significant disruptions during the American Civil War.
- 1915 - The county is hit by a devastating tornado, resulting in numerous casualties and severe damage.
- 1937 - The Flood of 1937 causes widespread flooding in Ballard County.
- 1966 - Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site is established to preserve Native American archaeological sites.
- 1970s - Ballard County experiences a decline in population due to economic changes and rural outmigration.
- 1997 - The Ballard County Coal Plant begins operation, bringing economic opportunities to the area.
- 2003 - The county celebrates its bicentennial.
- 2016 - Ballard County High School is named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
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