Gower House Historic Site

The Gower House in Smithland, Kentucky—built circa 1780—was an upscale inn with 16-inch-thick brick walls that hosted many significant people. The site’s historical sign tells the story:

Obverse Description:

“Erected about 1780: one of the luxury inns built to accommodate the travelers on the Ohio River. Host to many celebrities of that era including Presidents James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor; founder American Red Cross, Clara Barton; authors Charles Dickens and Lew Wallace; and Henry Clay. Lafayette was a guest here in May of 1825 while on his triumphal U.S. tour.”

Reverse Description:

“Ned Buntline – Pen name of Edward Z. C. Judson, father of the dime novel, who came to Smithland to publish his works; lived here in 1845. He brought fame to ‘Buffalo Bill’ (William Cody) thru stories and promotion of his renowned wild west show. He wrote of the marshals of the frontier west. In 1876, gave to Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and others Colt ‘Buntline Special’ revolvers.”

The house needs repairs and currently has no tours, so after viewing it, one can enjoy the great view of the nearby mouth of Cumberland River. Apparently in the fall of 1803 when the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed here, an island blocked the mouth of the Cumberland and travelers often had to paddle against the current to reach Smithland:

“A series of islands greeted travelers as they approached the Cumberland River, only 60 miles from the mouth of the Ohio. An island blocks the mouth, forcing most to pass it and row upstream”
—Fortescue Cuming (winter 1807)

https://history.ky.gov/markers/gower-house