Lovelace, Andrew, Jr., House

a.k.a. Old Lovelace Place

W of Lovelaceville off U.S. 62, Lovelaceville, KY
To the west of the village of Lovelaceville, Kentucky, on a hill overlooking the bottomlands of Mayfield Creek stands the Lovelace House, built between 1860 and 1866 for Andrew Lovelace, Jr. The residence eloquently states the position of Lovelace as the most prominent citizen of Lovelaceville and one of the most prominent in the country. The Lovelace House remains the finest nineteenth-century house in Ballard County, as well as the largest. In addition, it is the best evocation of the Greek Revival style in the county, displaying a more unified use of Greek detail throughout the house than any other structure. It is also important as a historical document because of its virtually unchanged condition, as there have been very few alterations made over the years.

The Lovelace family came from Rowan County, North Carolina, and settled in Butler County, Kentucky. The pioneering member of the family was Elias, a Revolutionary War veteran of the North Carolina State Militia. Along with Elias came his son, Andrew, and Andrew's wife, Rebecca. To Andrew and Rebecca was born a son, Andrew Lovelace, Jr. The whole family moved with Andrew, Sr., to the Lovelaceville area in 1820 where they built the aforementioned log structure. Andrew, Sr., "laid the foundation for a flourishing settlement, which sprang up a few years later, "! and became a prosperous farmer in the rich fertile lands that surround the area. He bequeathed to his son a considerable fortune which Andrew, Jr., increased greatly. In 1836, the village of Lovelaceville took on its present name; until that time it had been known as Sugar Creek. The name change honored the town's leading citizen, Andrew Lovelace, Sr.

Andrew Lovelace, Jr., had the present house built on four hundred acres of land, on a rise overlooking Lovelaceville and the surrounding area. As a farmer, he was quite prosperous and added to his considerable state as the leading merchant of Lovelaceville. In 1833, he married Miss Eleanor Ashley of Butler County, Kentucky, and raised a large family. One of his sons was Dr. James Madison Lovelace, a prominent physician in Ballard County who had studied medicine in Philadelphia, New York, and New Orleans. When Andrew, Jr., died, James received the house, which saw much activity.

The house remained in the Lovelace family until it was sold in the 1940s to Mr. William H. Ellis of Lovelaceville. The house is presently in the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Sternberg who are undertaking a thorough restoration.

As the foremost nineteenth-century structure in Ballard County, and as the home of some of the county's leading citizens throughout the second half of the nineteenth century, this house takes on great local significance.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.