Patterson Cabin
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Patterson Cabin. Built by Robert Patterson prior to his marriage in April 1780 to Elizabeth Lindsay, this small cabin has been a home, servant's quarters and tool shed. It has had many sites, including original on Cane Run; farm of Patterson's grandson, Dayton, Ohio, 1901-1939; and several on Transylvania campus. Returned to Lexington by request of Kentucky, this city and D.A.R. (Reverse) Col. Robert Patterson (1753-1827) - A large landholder, Patterson took part in founding Lexington, Cincinnati and Dayton. Chose site of Lexington, helped erect fort, April 1779, and laid off town; on Board of Trustees for many years. He helped charter Transylvania Univ. Urged separation from Va., 1784; elected representative from Fayette County, 1792, and served eight years. Moved to Dayton, 1803.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Robert Patterson built this small cabin around 1780, before his marriage to Elizabeth Lindsay, and over two centuries it served as home, servant's quarters, and tool shed while migrating across many sites, including a stint on his grandson's Ohio farm from 1901 to 1939. Patterson himself was a founder of cities: he chose the site of Lexington, helped erect its fort in 1779 and lay off the town, took part in founding Cincinnati and Dayton, helped charter Transylvania University, and served Fayette County in the legislature.
Why it matters
The humble cabin belonged to a quintessential frontier builder whose surveying and town-founding helped translate the Kentucky wilderness into settled American communities.
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Related people
- · Robert Patterson
- · Elizabeth Lindsay
Related events
- · Founding of Lexington
Themes & tags
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