Carneal House
Covington, Kenton County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Carneal House, ca. 1815. Built by Thomas Carneal, a founder of Covington, on land purchased in 1814 from Thomas Kennedy. First brick house in the city. Georgian in concept, style reveals the influence of the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio. In 1825 Lafayette visited as a guest of owner William W. Southgate. Other famous visitors were Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and Andrew Jackson.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Built around 1815 by Thomas Carneal, a founder of Covington, this was the young river city's first brick house, its Georgian form showing the influence of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio. In 1825 the Marquis de Lafayette visited as a guest of then-owner William W. Southgate during his celebrated American tour. Other notable guests over the years included Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and Andrew Jackson.
Why it matters
The house captures the refinement and ambition of a founding-era Ohio River town, where national leaders passed through as the young republic expanded westward.
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Related people
- · Thomas Carneal
- · Marquis de Lafayette
- · Henry Clay
- · Daniel Webster
- · Andrew Jackson
Related events
- · Lafayette's tour of America
Themes & tags
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