Locust Grove LEARN PARTICIPATE VISIT RENT SHOP CONTACT ABOUT LOCUST GROVE This c.1792 Georgian mansion tells the story of its builders, William and Lucy Clark Croghan, and the story of American beginnings. William and Lucy Clark Croghan, along with Lucy’s brother, General George Rogers Clark, welcomed a generation of American luminaries to their home to rest, dialogue, campaign, and duel. Presidents James Monroe and Andrew Jackson, John James Audubon, Cassius Marcellus Clay, and Lewis and Clark—among others—all passed through Locust Grove. Now a National Historic Landmark, Locust Grove is a unique example of early Kentucky architecture, craftsmanship, and history. OUR MISSION The mission of Historic Locust Grove is to preserve and interpret the remaining 55-acres of William Croghan’s estate, Locust Grove, with its circa 1792 house, outbuildings, collection and grounds as examples of early nineteenth-century frontier America, and to share the stories of the many people who contributed to the history of the site, emphasizing the experiences of George Rogers Clark, Revolutionary War hero and founder of Louisville. "Locust Grove's story, like that of its owners, is wrapped up in the story of America's beginnings." WILLIAM CROGHAN LUCY CROGHAN THE ORIGINS Situated on 55 rolling acres just six miles upriver from downtown Louisville, this circa 1792 Georgian mansion tells the story of its owners, William and Lucy Clark Croghan. William Croghan arrived in the Kentucky territory with George Rogers Clark, his future brother-in-law, in order to survey the territory. William Croghan and Lucy Clark were married in 1789, and construction began on Locust Grove around 1792. The house was built by enslaved workers, and the farm was cultivated by some 30 to 45 enslaved workers through the Croghan family's tenure. FAMOUS VISITORS Locust Grove’s story, like that of its owners, is wrapped up in the story of America’s beginnings. Early American figures like President Andrew Jackson and artist John James Audubon were frequent guests here. It was also the site of an inconclusive duel between the fiery Kentucky statesman Cassius Marcellus Clay and Robert Wickliffe. And when he concluded his famous expedition through the Louisiana Territory, Lucy’s brother William Clark and his fellow explorer Meriwether Lewis stopped here. In short, it was a pivotal stop for a whole generation of American luminaries. THE LEGACY The Croghan family sold Locust Grove in 1878 to riverboat captain James Paul, who in turn sold it to Richard Waters of Hermitage Farm in 1883. It remained in the Waters family until 1961 when the site was purchased by Jefferson County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Following extensive restoration, the historic house was opened to the public in 1964. Learn more about George Rogers Clark Learn more about the Clark and Croghan Families Learn more about William Clark Learn more about the restoration and preservation of Locust Grove Learn more about slave life at Locust Grove Take an audio tour of the grounds and outbuildings. Hear past presentations from the Afternoon Lecture Series Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark. Locust Grove is owned by Louisville Metro Government and operated by Historic Locust Grove, Inc. LEARN About Locust Grove George Rogers Clark Lewis and Clark Croghan and Clark Families Locust Grove News Restoration + Preservation Virtual Tour Slave Life at Locust Grove PARTICIPATE Events Camps + Workshops School Programs Volunteer Become a Member Donate Donors + Sponsors VISIT RENT SHOP EMPLOYMENT CONTACT JOIN THE LOCUST GROVE MAILING LIST FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM BLOG © 2021 Locust Grove