Rescued Row Houses

Rescued Row Houses. . Lawrenceburg was founded in 1802 by Captain Samuel Vance, a U.S. Government surveyor who purchased the land that would become Lawrenceburg. With the beginning of steamboat shipping after the War of 18 12, came the evolution of the city's historic downtown. This part of town was well known from New Orleans to Pittsburgh. Lawrenceburg's prosperity led to the construction of many fine brick structures in the early decades of the 19th century. Most of these reflect building elements typical of the Federal style: simple, elegant proportions, delicate detailing of doors and windows. shared common walls, and large chimneys. These elaborate brick buildings stood in contrast to the crude log residences that preceded them. Many of these structures survive today, including the 1819 Jesse Hunt House (hotel) located at southeast corner of High and Walnut Streets and this group of row houses constructed between 1813 and 1899. Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, a statewide preservation organization, led efforts to save these early buildings in the late 1990s. Their preservation has been a catalyst for additional rehabilitation in downtown Lawrenceburg, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places., By the Way: Captain Vance sold an entire undeveloped block on High Street for $300.00!