Federal Hill is the old Georgian southern mansion built in 1818 by John Rowan, Sr. This home served the Rowan family for three generations until it was sold in the 1920's for some $60,000 by the granddaughter of Rowan, Sr. Today the home is owned by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is part of their state park system.
While entrance into the park is free, there is a charge to take advantage of many of the park's amenities including camping and golf. Guided tours of the mansion are provided by period costumed docents approximately every half hour. Tours are $5.50 for adults and $3.50 for kids ages six to 12. AAA members and seniors can tour for $5.00.
Federal Hill is known as My Old Kentucky Home as it was the inspiration for the Stephen Foster song of the same name. Foster often visited his uncle's family here in Bardstown and wrote the song in 1852 that was to later become the state song.
Inside, the house was of classic antebellum southern architecture. Guides told guests that over 60% of all of the furnishings were original to the home dating back to the 19th century. On the first floor were the parlor, dining room and library. On the second floor were three beautifully decorated and furnished bedrooms and the sitting room of the lady of the home. The third floor is closed to the public after being damaged by lightening several years ago and not currently meeting fire code for visitors.
Antiques to include china faced dolls, china and sterling silver, books and original paintings are found throughout the home. Outside guests can peak into the kitchen, smokehouse and carriage house. It was especially interesting to see the furniture of the period to include gorgeous beds, large dressing tables and chairs including the "chamber pot" potty chair. One piece of particular beauty was the piano with mother of pearl keys . . . one of just five said to have been made back in the 1800's.
It doesn't take long to stroll the grounds and gardens around Federal Hill and is well worth the hour or so stop to take in My Old Kentucky Home. Tours are generally available 9:00am to 4:30pm, but check for holidays and special events.
From journal Labor Day Weekend Getaway to the Bluegrass State