Paris in Bourbon County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Duncan Tavern

Erected 1788

Photographed By Forest McDermott, May 7, 2011

1. Duncan Tavern Marker

Inscription.
Dedicated in honor of
Mary Desha
of Kentucky
one of the four founders of the
National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution
restoration commenced 1940 the Golden Jubilee Year, N.S.D.A.R.
by the
Kentucky Society, Daughters of the American Revolution
tablet placed by the Lexington Chapter
March 14, 1941

Erected 1941 by Lexington Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 14, 1941.

Location. 38° 12.777′ N, 84° 15.032′ W. Marker is in Paris, Kentucky, in Bourbon County. Marker is at the intersection of High Street and Ardery Place, on the right when traveling south on High Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 323 High Street, Paris KY 40361, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Duncan Tavern (a few steps from this marker); William Holmes McGuffey (a few steps from this marker); Bourbon County World War I Monument (a few steps from this marker);

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Bourbon County, 1786 (within shouting distance of this marker); John Edwards 1748-1837 / Westwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Bourbon County Revolutionary War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Bourbon County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); CSA at Paris, 1862 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paris.

More about this marker. Located under steps of the front door.

Regarding Duncan Tavern. Duncan Tavern-one of the finest examples of a Kentucky eighteenth century early settlement building-was built ca. 1792 by Joseph Duncan, who had served during the Revolutionary War as a civilian armorer in the Illinois Campaign. In 1791 he was inducted into the Virginia Militia as a captain, later attaining the rank of Major. By 1803 the tavern was called the Goddess of Liberty. The tavern leased rooms and provided beds to travelers until 1834 when it was purchased by William Burr as a single family residence. By 1860, part of the building operated as a middle-class boarding

Duncan Tavern Marker wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Forest McDermott, May 7, 2011

2. Duncan Tavern Marker wide view

house. After 1929 the building descended into tenement apartments. Fortunately, Duncan Tavern, the oldest stone structure in Paris, was saved from the bulldozer in 1940, when it was purchased for $1 by Julia Spencer Ardery and her DAR Chapter, Jemima Johnson. This bargain came with the caveat that in one year the building would be cleaned up, renovated, and opened for educational programming. In 1941, the building's ownership was formally accepted by the Kentucky Society DAR Executive Board, and has been the property and under the oversight of KSDAR ever since. Later, Duncan Tavern and an adjacent house were faced on all sides with limestone rock from "Fairfield," the demolished home of Kentucky's second governor, James Garrard. (from DAR historic-sites-and-properties duncan-tavern-historic-center)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2024, by Carolyn Sanders of Plano, Texas. This page has been viewed 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2024, by Carolyn Sanders of Plano, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.