Historic Inns in Michigan, Kentucky and Virginia

Marshall, Michigan
Marshall is one of the most beautiful cities in Michigan. It's also a storehouse of 19th century American small town architecture that has given it status as a National Historic Landmark District.

The designation was announced July 17, 1991 by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The district includes over 850 homes and businesses.
It's the country's largest district in the "small urban" category having surpassed Cape May, NJ and Port Townsend, Washington. One National Park Service manager calls Marshall "a text book of 19th century American small town architecture." Established in 1830, the early settlers expected the community to become Michigan's state capitol. Thus it drew dozens of doctors, lawyers, ministers, business people and land speculators.

Town founders Sidney and George Ketchum named the community for Chief Justice John Marshall of Virginia whom they greatly admired. This occurred five years before Marshall's death and thus was the first of dozens of communities and counties named for him.

Marshall was nominated as the state capitol in 1839 but lost to Lansing, then a village of eight registered voters, in 1847. However, at this point Marshall had become the switching center for the young Michigan Central Railroad which kept it booming and growing during the Civil War era.

In 1872 the rail yards were moved to Jackson and Marshall seemed to slumber. However, in Marshall barns, lofts and business blocks a new industry was growing. Marshall was becoming the Midwest's patent medicine center and the place to get "pink pills for pale people."

Then the Pure Food and Drug Act came along in 1906 and effectively killed off most of the patent medicine products. The town continued to slumber and only two streets were platted from 1872 to 1920.

Marshall was a station on the Underground Railroad and a strong anti-slavery town. In 1846 Kentucky slave chasers tried to capture escaped slave Adam Crosswhite and his family in Marshall. Leading citizens in turn arrested the Kentuckians and smuggled the Crosswhite family into Canada.

The rescuers were convicted of "depriving a man of his rightful property" in Detroit federal court in 1847. They paid fines which they were to consider a badge of honor.
Moving into the 20th century, Marshall has been home to people who understood the importance of preservation and restoration long before it was popular. This has allowed Marshall to move with the future while maintaining its wonderful past.

Today Marshall is a growing city again with new homes, apartments and condominiums being developed on its outskirts. New industry and distribution centers are developing in its industrial park and the city also enjoys the popularity of its appeal as an escape into the past. The beautiful downtown area is bustling with quaint shops, galleries, great restaurants and the National House Inn.

Relax in the park at the Brooks Memorial Fountain in front of the Inn. At night see the light show of 96 color variations and its center spray rising to a majestic height of thirty feet (except in winter!). A tour of the Honolulu House, next door to the Inn, is a must. This intriguing mix of Polynesian and Victorian architecture was built in 1860. Read more about the National House Inn in Marshall .

Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Harrodsburg and Mercer County are nestled among breathtaking palisades and gently rolling countryside laden with historic stone fences and manicured horse farms.
Harrodsburg is conveniently located within one hour's drive of central Kentucky's most famous attractions. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a community rich in heritage, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality and simple pleasures.

Located in the center of Kentucky in the famed Bluegrass region, Harrodsburg and Mercer County has a unique heritage. It has been home to several Kentucky Derby winners, Pleasant Hill (the now restored Shaker colony), numerous Kentucky Governors, and famous inns and spas. The rolling bluegrass fields are often fenced by dry mortar stone walls and many of the small hillocks are the sites of prehistoric Woodland Native American burials or settlements. Every architectural style is evident from the 15th and 16th century European post and beam with wattle and daub to the hewn log cabin; from the 18th century hand made brick home to the antebellum mansions with their slave quarters; from the ornate Victorian gingerbread sketchbook mansions and the Queen Anne revival houses to wonderful examples of the Arts and Crafts bungalow. It is the first permanent English Settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains and the birthplace of Western Expansion beyond the original colonies.

Established in 1774, Harrodsburg importantly ranks as Kentucky's oldest town, as well as the first permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. The town's early history is showcased at Old Fort Harrod State Park, where a full-scale replica of the original fort stands. Here, you can experience "living history" as you learn about the hardships of fort life.

As you stroll through the cabins, you'll see many original artifacts that were actually used by the settlers in the late 1700s. Craftspeople in period costumes portray Kentucky's early pioneers who lived within the stockade walls. Observe some of the daily tasks performed such as basketry, woodworking, weaving, tinsmithing, dollmaking, blacksmithing and broommaking. Children will especially be drawn to the cattle, sheep and turkey corralled in the center of the fort.

Also on the grounds of the state park are the Lincoln Marriage Temple, the George Rogers Clark Memorial, a pioneer cemetery and the Mansion Museum. This Greek Revival home, built in 1930, displays an outstanding collection of paintings, Indian artifacts, Civil War relics, firearms and Lincoln memorabilia.

In the heart of downtown lies a National Register Historic District with a streetscape reminiscent of an earlier time. Although plagued by a number of fires that occurred during the 19th century, the restored Main Street is a national model. Buildings that date back to the 1880s and 1890s house restaurants, gift, antique and specialty shops.

While downtown, stop to admire Olde Towne Park, which boasts a 14x32 foot cascading fountain. This unique creation of public art was inspired by the scenic palisades found along the Kentucky River on the eastern border of Mercer County.

A self-guiding walking/driving tour highlights many of the architectural treasures that reflect the town's heritage. Spanning more than two centuries, you'll pass by stately pre-Civil War homes, churches and businesses -- all prime examples of the various styles of architecture used in Kentucky. One site, Morgan Row, is believed to be the first and oldest rowhouse standing in the state. The structure houses the Harrodsburg Historical Society's museum and research library.

On the self-guided tour, costumed interpreters perform the daily tasks of the 19th century Shakers. See exhibits of Shaker furniture, hear the haunting strains of Shaker music performed live, watch craftspeople demonstrate spinning, weaving, broommaking and coopering, and observe farm life as it was 100 years ago. Take home a reminder of Pleasant Hill by visiting the craft stores.

Also, located seven miles east of downtown on U. S. 68, is the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Founded in 1805, America's largest restored Shaker community and National Historic Landmark is the only site of its kind where all visitor services are provided in original buildings. Today, 33 restored buildings are surrounded by 2700 acres of preserved farmlands. Enjoy a hearty meal served in the Trustee's Office Inn dining room and spend the night in a guest room furnished with Shaker reproductions.

Take a drive through picturesque rural countryside to stop at one of the many locally owned and operated family farms nestled in the rolling hills of Mercer County . Stroll through orchards, ride horse back, cast a fishing line, buy fresh-picked produce or pick your own, visit a beef cattle, sheep or goat farm, learn about 19th century historic farming methods, wander through greenhouses and nurseries to choose plants for your own garden. Located near downtown Harrodsburg is Beaumont Inn. Read more about Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg.

Charming Historic Towns