Bardstown in Nelson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
The Harrison-Smith House
Circa 1795 & 1815
Photographed by Karl Stelly, June 2, 2014
1. The Harrison-Smith House Marker
Inscription.
The Harrison-Smith House. Circa 1795 and 1815. One of the oldest houses in Bardstown, the west side stone portion has to date from before 1795. On one side of the "settled lots," improved by Samuel Duncan under the lottery terms of settlement, it was the residence of both William Pope Duval and his brother-in-law, Dr. Burr Harrison after 1800. In the "Crayon Papers," author Washington Irving recorded the early experiences of Ralph Ringwood, based on the "real-life" adventures of young Duval. One famous incident, "The Stolen Kiss," which ultimately led to his marriage to Nancy Hynes, was believed by family members to have probably taken place at his home. William Pope Duval went on to become a famous lawyer and member of the Pleidas Club, famous for its renowned members. In 1822, Duval was appointed first Territorial Governor of Florida by President Monroe, reappointed under Adams and Jackson. After 1860, Dr. Alfred Smith practiced medicine here with an office on the west end of the house. His descendants continued in the home as residents through the year 2000.
One of the oldest houses in Bardstown, the west side stone portion has to date from before 1795. On one side of the "settled lots," improved by Samuel Duncan under the lottery terms of settlement, it was the residence of both William Pope Duval and his brother-in-law, Dr. Burr Harrison after 1800. In the "Crayon Papers," author Washington Irving recorded the early experiences of Ralph Ringwood, based on the "real-life" adventures of young Duval. One famous incident, "The Stolen Kiss," which ultimately led to his marriage to Nancy Hynes, was believed by family members to have probably taken place at his home. William Pope Duval went on to become a famous lawyer and member of the Pleidas Club, famous for its renowned members. In 1822, Duval was appointed first Territorial Governor of Florida by President Monroe, reappointed under Adams and Jackson. After 1860, Dr. Alfred Smith practiced medicine here with an office on the west end of the house. His descendants continued in the home as residents through the year 2000.
Location. 37° 48.524′ N, 85° 28.01′ W. Marker is in Bardstown, Kentucky, in Nelson County. It is on South Third Street (U.S. 31E/150), on the right when traveling north. Marker is in the Southeast quadrant of the town square/circle in front of the light yellow/cream colored Harrison-Smith House. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bardstown KY 40004, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Louisville Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
4. The Harrison-Smith House Marker restored. Placed near the back entrance of the house
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2014, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,099 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on June 10, 2014, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on August 28, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on June 10, 2014, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on September 1, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
