Historic
Locust Grove
Louisville, Kentucky

Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark on 55 acres of the original 694 acre farm established by William and Lucy Clark Croghan in 1790. William Croghan was the brother-in-law and surveying partner of George Rogers Clark, founder of Louisville and Revolutionary War hero. George Rogers Clark spent the last nine years of his life at Locust Grove, from 1809 until his death in 1818.

Locust Grove also hosted three U.S. Presidents, Monroe, Jackson and Taylor, and was a stopping point for famed explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark upon their return from their expedition to the Pacific. In addition, Locust Grove was home to numerous enslaved African-Americans who lived and worked on the farm and contributed to its success. Locust Grove tells the story of George Rogers Clark, early Kentucky history, western expansion and everyday life on the frontier.

Locust Grove is owned by Louisville Metro Government and operated by Historic Locust Grove, Inc.

Learn more about Locust Grove

Locust Grove is accredited by the American Association of Museums

Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark

 

 

Antiques Appraisal Day
Sunday, September 21
1:00 to 5:00 pm
(registration begins at 12:30 sharp)
Scott F. Nussbaum, nationally known antiquarian and appraiser, will offer appraisals of antique and vintage items that you bring in (please no large furniture). Book appraiser Charles Bartman will look at your books and printed items, and coin dealer Byrd Saylor III will appraise coins and paper money. The entire fee goes to support Locust Grove: $10 per item, 3 items for $25 (limit 6 items; pay at the door). Space is limited, so come early.

Fall Antiques Market
Sunday, September 28
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This annual Antiques Market features professional dealers from the South and Midwest displaying their wares on the lawn at Historic Locust Grove. In addition to American country antiques, the show features formal furniture, jewelry and silver. Admission is $6 ($1 for children 6-12). Admission includes tours of the historic house museum. Concessions are available. Proceeds support the continued operation and preservation of Historic Locust Grove, a circa 1790 National Historic Landmark.


A Country Worth Defending
Exhibit now Open!

Locust Grove's new gallery building and permanent exhibit now open to the public

The building expands the area available for interpretation of the American Revolution in the West and the people who settled and built this region. The exhibit also focuses on the surveying work of George Rogers Clark, Louisville’s founder, and his brother-in-law, William Croghan, who built Locust Grove. A recreated surveyors’ office exhibit in the 1810 log building is incorporated into the new exhibition, which is called “A Country Worth Defending: Land & Family in Early Kentucky.”

Other sections of the exhibit look at the interactions of the Croghan family and their enslaved workers in the daily life of an early Kentucky farm.

The new building wing was designed by JRA Architects of Louisville, and the exhibit was created by the award-winning local firm Solid Light. Funds for the project were raised by Historic Locust Grove, Inc., a private non-profit organization, but the building will be owned by the people of Louisville through Metro Parks. The final cost of the building, which includes collections storage space and offices as well as the gallery, was nearly $900,000.


Attention, Jane Austen fans: A Jane Austen Society of North America regional chapter has been formed at Locust Grove. New members welcome.

For more information, email Bonny Wise at wise@locustgrove.org or call Locust Grove at 502-897-9845.


Visit the Kentucky Tourism and the Derby Region websites for more information about visiting the area.


To add your name to our email mailing list, send an email message to Bonny Wise. Let us know which events or programs you are most interested in, or ask to receive all emails. This gives you first notice and reminders of upcoming events and programs, and cuts down on costs for us. Thanks!


 

Upcoming Events

Revolutionary War Reenacators register here for Market Fair

Afternoon Lecture Series
Wed., Sept. 3, 1:00 p.m.
Bourbon’s Role in Early Kentucky
Chris Morris

Mr. Morris, a Master Distiller for Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, will speak about the history of this distillery and the national impact of this unique regional product. Dessert and coffee served at 1:00 pm, lecture immediately following at 1:15 PM. Admission is $5, $3 for Friends of Historic Locust Grove. Reservations are not required.

Event Postponed
Kentucky Harvest Festival
Sun., Sept. 7, 1:00 pm
Co-sponsored with Slow Foods Bluegrass
To be rescheduled... watch for information later.
Event Postponed

Antiques Appraisal
Sunday, Sept. 21
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fall Antiques Market
Sunday, September 28
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

see description on left

Afternoon Lecture Series
Wed., October 1
1:00 p.m.
Early Kentucky Education
James Klotter

Prof. Klotter, the author, editor, or coauthor of over dozen books on Kentucky history, was the Executive Director of the Kentucky Historical Society, and is now the State Historian. He will provide an overview of the growth and development of higher education in the state. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 PM. Admission is $5, $3 for Friends of Historic Locust Grove. Reservations are not required.

18th Century Market Fair at Historic Locust Grove
Saturday and Sunday, October 25 & 26
10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Notice is herewith given that a Market Fair shall be held at the grounds designated as the seat of Major William Croghan, known as Locust Grove, six miles up river from the Falls of the Ohio… Join Historic Locust Grove and the Illinois Regiment of Virginia as we bring the spirits of the past alive with the fifth annual Market Fair! Participate in entertainment, purchase replicas of 18th century military and household items, and enjoy food and drink as our founding fathers did. Mock battles for our country’s independence feature General George Rogers Clark’s own militia as well as English Dragoons and Marines, and German Hessians.

Revolutionary War Reenacators register here for Market Fair

View all events

Rentals

Rent Locust Grove for your event
Weddings, meetings, celebrations and commemorations of all kinds are welcomed at historic Locust Grove.

Visit Locust Grove

Locust Grove
561 Blankenbaker Lane
Louisville, KY 40207

Map and directions

Hours & admission

Volunteer at Locust Grove

Locust Grove volunteers are essential to the daily operation of the site.

Learn more about volunteering

New! Find out how you can help support Locust Grove without even leaving your chair... check out our new shopping link here.