Versailles in Woodford County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Watkins Tavern

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 28, 2021

1. Watkins Tavern Marker

Inscription. Site of stone tavern/inn built by stonemason Thomas Metcalfe, later governor of Ky. Owned by Henry Watkins and wife Elizabeth, widow of Rev. John Clay and mother of Henry Clay. Lafayette, traveling from Frankfort to Lexington, was entertained here on May 15, 1825; greeted friends and veterans and had to address crowd from upper balcony. Tavern burned in 1886.

Erected by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1798.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society, and the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1825.

Location. 38° 3.139′ N, 84° 43.828′ W. Marker is in Versailles, Kentucky, in Woodford County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street (U.S. 62) and Court Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 151 South Main Street, Versailles KY 40383, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Woodford County Courthouses (a few steps from this marker); Big Spring Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Freemasonry in Versailles

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(about 600 feet away); Sen. Joseph C. S. Blackburn (about 600 feet away); Woodford County, 1789 / County Named (approx. 0.2 miles away); Randall Lee Gibson / Jerome Bonaparte Robertson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Woodford County's Civil War Generals (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Rose Hill Academy (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Versailles.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 28, 2021

2. Watkins Tavern Marker

Gov. Thomas Metcalfe (1780-1855) image. Click for full size.

Jennie C. Morton, The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society (1904)

3. Gov. Thomas Metcalfe (1780-1855)

He was Kentucky's governor from 1828 to 1832.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 571 times since then and 107 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 3, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.