Site of the Love House
Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Site of Love House. First meeting of the Legislature, after Frankfort made capital, held here, 1793, when owned by Andrew Holmes. Built about 1786 by Gen. James Wilkinson. Purchased in 1797 by Maj. Thomas Love and wife. It was for years an inn and center of political and social life for the capital. The exiled French Prince Louis Philippe and Aaron Burr were among guests. In use until 1870.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Built around 1786 by General James Wilkinson on land once owned by Aaron Burr, this house hosted the first meeting of the legislature after Frankfort became Kentucky's capital in 1793. Later purchased by Major Thomas Love, it served for years as an inn and the social and political heart of the young capital. Its guests included the exiled French prince Louis Philippe—a future king of France—and Aaron Burr himself.
Why it matters
On the Kentucky frontier this inn was where a new state's government first convened, a reminder of how quickly republican self-rule took root west of the Appalachians.
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Related people
- · Gen. James Wilkinson
- · Maj. Thomas Love
- · Louis Philippe
- · Aaron Burr
Related events
- · First legislature at Frankfort, 1793
Themes & tags
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