Maysville in Mason County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Paxton Inn
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 10, 2015
1. Paxton Inn Marker
was acquired by
James A. Paxton in 1810.
Paxton and subsequent nineteenth century
owners of this building operated it as an Inn.
Lawyers and townspeople gathered here.
In 1918, the Mason County Mutual Telephone
Company purchased the site. For the next 49 years,
various telephone businesses owned this property.
In 1967 ownership of the building passed
to the Limestone Heritage Foundation, Inc.,
agents for the Limestone Chapter, Daughters
of the American Revolution. In 1997 ownership
was transferred to Limestone Chapter, DAR.
Since 1967, the Chapter has used the Inn as
a museum and Chapter house.
Erected 1999 by Limestone Chapter, DAR.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.
Location. 38° 36.969′ N, 83° 48.51′ W. Marker is in Maysville, Kentucky, in Mason County. Marker is at the intersection of Paxton Street and Old Main Street (Kentucky Route 2515
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Paxton Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor's Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston (within shouting distance of this marker); "Washington Courthouse Site" (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnston Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Tollhouses (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Church Museum (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maysville.
Additional commentary.
1. Paxton Inn & the Underground Railroad
The Paxton Inn was a station on the Underground Railroad when owned by Mr. James A. Paxton. There is a hidden stairway between the first and second stories of this brick structure. There runaway slaves could be hidden until they could be safely moved across the Ohio River at night under the cover of darkness. The Underground Railroad was a path that led thousands of slaves from the South to the North to freedom. Over 2,000 slaves crossed the Ohio
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 10, 2015
2. The Paxton Inn
— Submitted June 5, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 10, 2015
3. Paxton Inn Marker around corner from main marker.
Paxton Inn
A favorite meeting place for visitors and citizens
to discuss politics and other issues of the day,
including slavery. The Kentucky Telephone Company
opened an exchange in the old inn after it passed
through several owners. In 1966 the telephone company
presented the building to the Limestone Heritage
Foundation. Restoration of the building was led by the
Limestone Chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 10, 2015
4. Paxton Inn sign at front door.
INN
— Circa 1810 —
Limestone Chapter
NSDAR
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 705 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 5, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
