by Kevin J. Browne

Created on: December 19, 2010

One of the most enjoyable and educational holiday activities in Louisville, KY is the annual candlelight tour at Locust Grove.  The home was built by William and Lucy Clark Croghan in 1790 and was the last home of General George Rogers Clark who was a Revolutionary War hero and founder of Louisville. 

The candlelight tour features volunteers who are in costume and role play as if it were the nineteenth century.  On past visits I have encountered the home and occupants as if it were 1820.  One year I had the pleasure of “meeting” and talking with Dr. Benjamin Rush one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and another year I “met” William Clark and got to hear him talk about his adventures  out west.  This year, it was 1809 and I was able to “meet” General Clark himself as well as William and Lucy Croghan. 

The house is always beautifully decorated and this year was in particular fine fashion as a result of a two year long renovation.  The house has been restored to better approximate the original paint and wallpaper and along with the Christmas decorations it makes a warm and inviting home to visit.

In addition to the historical figures in attendance, visitors are treated to some authentic nineteenth century music and dancing upstairs in the house’s grand ballroom.  Children especially enjoy this part of the tour.  On the third floor visitors can see the children’s rooms which have also been restored.

Outside you can walk the grounds and visit the kitchen and wood shop.  Each of these is tended by volunteers in costume who demonstrate and discuss the daily rituals of life at the house in the nineteenth century.

Throughout the year there are many events at Locust Grove which provide good opportunities to learn more about local history.  Among its other distinctions Locust Grove was a spot on the way home for the Lewis ad Clark Expedition as well as host to three U.S. Presidents: Monroe, Jackson, and Taylor.  That along with the association with George Rogers Clark makes it a rich historical landmark.

Christmas time is generally regarded as a time for taking a break from school work but the candlelight tour provides a wonderful opportunity to sneak in a little education with a fun holiday activity and also provides a much needed change of pace from the hectic stress of holiday shopping and last minute rushing around.  It’s nice to take a step back to a quieter Christmas, have a little warm apple cider, listen to some music and watch some dancing. And, if you go you might end up meeting a general or famous explorer!   

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