The Oldest House in Kentucky Still Stands Strong After 239 Years

Key Point:

• The oldest house in Kentucky, the Adam Rankin House, was built in 1784 and is located in Lexington.
• Local organizations in Lexington had the foresight to collaborate with developers so that many old buildings survived.
• Adam Rankin was a controversial minister and slaveholder who was well-known for his inflammatory views on an issue in Presbyterianism.

The State of Kentucky was established in 1792, but the oldest house in the state is a few years older than that. The oldest house in Kentucky still stands strong after 239 years, and it’s still viewable by the public. We’ll discuss details about this house and related Kentuckian history now.

What is the Oldest House in Kentucky?

The oldest house in Kentucky is the Adam Rankin House in Lexington. It was built in 1784, however, it has been altered and moved since its original construction. In 1971, it was moved to avoid being demolished.

The Lexington History Museum took up residence as a renter in the Adam Rankin House in 2020. It is the first house in decades to be repurposed into a museum in Lexington. While the museum is open to the public, the property and house are both privately owned.

Why is the Oldest House in Kentucky in Lexington?

The Adam Rankin House is in a part of Lexington known as The South Hill Historic District. This district is next to today’s downtown area. Lexington was established in the June of 1775 while its land was still part of Virginia.

Lexington, Kentucky, is one of the premium examples of historic preservation despite the trends of urban renewal in the 1970s. The idea of urban renewal was that old buildings should be demolished so better infrastructure can be built. Local organizations in Lexington had the foresight to collaborate with developers so that many old buildings survived.

Who Built the Oldest House in Kentucky?

The oldest house in Kentucky was built for Reverend Adam Rankin. He was a minister who arrived in Lexington in 1784. He stayed in Kentucky for years, and during his residency, he published the first book printed in the state.

For decades, there were many articles and other writings made about Reverend Adam Rankin. He was described as talented but intolerant. However, people also called him pious and eccentric which made him loved by his congregation.

Adam Rankin is buried at the Mikveh Israel Cemetery, though there isn’t anything marking his grave. At the time of his burial, it was known as the Spruce Cemetery.

A man named Samuel D. McCullough was born in the Adam Rankin House in 1803. This man was known for his mustard and a variety of academic pursuits. His famous mustard was based on a recipe inherited from his relative named Nathan Burrowes.

Why Was Adam Rankin Controversial in Kentucky?

Born in Pennsylvania on March 24, 1755, Adam Rankin also died in Pennsylvania on November 25, 1827. He had left Lexington following a personal delusion that he needed to help rebuild Jerusalem in present-day Israel. He died on the way to Jerusalem in Philadelphia.

Adam Rankin was well-known for his inflammatory views on an issue in Presbyterianism at the time. This issue was called the Psalmody Controversy. He was unrelenting in these beliefs and most knew he was never going to concede on any of the points that he cared about.  

A Presbyterian in England had composed original songs to be sung in church. However, tradition dictated that only the Psalms were sung in church.

Adam Rankin was a rabid traditionalist who went to great lengths to have original music banned. He was so passionate about this issue that he broke from his church to continue with his brand of conservatism.

His first book published in Kentucky deals with his opinions on this issue. The book is titled A Process in the Transylvania Presybery, and it’s just one of his many writings.

Adam Rankin also kept enslaved people which alienated some of his congregation. Members that disagreed with slavery left his church seeking abolitionist communities. Some ended up establishing an independent church and town in Cedarville, Ohio.

Where is the Adam Rankin House Located on a Map?

The Adam Rankin House is in a part of Lexington known as the South Hill Historic District, next to the downtown area. Lexington is located in the central northern bluegrass region of the state. I-75 runs north to south in the city.

What is the Oldest Brick House in Kentucky?

The oldest brick house in Kentucky is the William Whitley House located at the William Whitley House State Historic Site. Located in Crab Orchard, Kentucky, this house was built with fortification in mind. It was constructed between 1787 and 1794 as protection against attacks by indigenous groups in the area.

The structure is historically important because it’s an example of a transitional house during a period when pioneer log cabins were being replaced by traditional homes.

Is There Wildlife Near the Oldest House in Lexington, KY?

Yes, there is wildlife to see around Lexington, Kentucky. These spots are easy to incorporate into a day trip itinerary if you’re visiting the area.

The Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is along the Kentucky River Palisades about a half hour from downtown Lexington. It shows off the ecosystems of the inner Bluegrass region, and there are around 10 miles of trails to explore. Ecosystems on view include streams, meadows, and woodlands.

While at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, you may encounter white-tail deer. Crawfish hunting in some streams is permitted, and common mammals are often spotted while hiking the trails. These animals include rabbits, foxes, raccoons, and groundhogs.

In the spring and fall, a white flower called boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) grows in parts of the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Traditionally, the roots of this flower are used to help gout symptoms, and as a salve on broken bones. It cannot be ingested as it’s toxic to humans, pets, and livestock.

The State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, also known as the Arboretum, is located at the University of Kentucky. Established on February 22, 1865, this university is located next to the downtown area. 

McConnell Springs Park is another destination worth checking out. The historic spring at this park is the reason that Lexington exists. The park is a karst environment which means that dissolved rock has formed caves, sinkholes, and the famous springs.

At McConnell Springs Park, a huge Bur Oak tree exists that’s over 250 years old. Before settlers showed up in 1775, the area had sunny grasslands that allowed huge trees to grow. Today, it’s too shady for a tree this size to develop.