The Orlando Brown House: A Timeless Example of Greek Revival Architecture in Frankfort, Kentucky
Nestled in the heart of Frankfort, (Franklin County) Kentucky, at 202 Wilkinson Street, the Orlando Brown House stands as a testament to early 19th-century American architecture and the enduring legacy of one of Kentucky’s prominent families.
Built in 1835 as part of the Liberty Hall Historic Site, this Greek Revival-style residence was designed specifically for Orlando Brown, the younger son of U.S. Senator John Brown, Kentucky’s first member of Congress.
Today, the house serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of antebellum Kentucky while preserving the architectural innovations of its era. Its historical significance is underscored by its inclusion in the Historic American Buildings Survey and its role in showcasing the evolution of domestic architecture in the Bluegrass State.
History
The history of the Orlando Brown House is inextricably linked to the Brown family, whose influence shaped early Kentucky politics and society.
Senator John Brown, a Virginia native who moved to Kentucky in the late 18th century, acquired a four-acre plot in Frankfort and built Liberty Hall between 1796 and 1803.
This Georgian-Federal style mansion became a hub for political gatherings, hosting figures like James Monroe and Andrew Jackson. By 1835, as John Brown planned to divide his estate equally between his two sons, he commissioned the construction of a new home for his younger son, Orlando. The elder son, Mason, inherited Liberty Hall, while Orlando received the adjacent property. This division reflected the family’s commitment to fairness and legacy preservation.
Orlando Brown
Orlando Brown himself was a multifaceted figure in Kentucky history. Born in 1801 in Frankfort, he was educated at Princeton University and Transylvania University (Kentucky), initially studying medicine before switching to law.
Though he briefly practiced in Alabama, he returned to Kentucky in 1830, marrying his cousin Mary Watts Brown and establishing himself as a newspaper editor, politician, and historian. As co-founder and editor of the Frankfort Commonwealth, a Whig Party newspaper, Orlando advocated for internal improvements like river navigation and opposed secession during the Civil War era. His political career included serving as Kentucky’s Secretary of State in 1848 and Commissioner of Indian Affairs under President Zachary Taylor from 1849 to 1850.
Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife in 1841, Orlando remarried in 1852 and raised his family in the house until his death in 1867. The residence remained in the Brown family for generations, passing through descendants until 1955, when Anne Hord Brown, Orlando’s last living heir, bequeathed it to the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Kentucky (NSCDA-KY). The society opened it as a museum that same year, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Architecture
Architecturally, the Orlando Brown House exemplifies the Greek Revival style, which gained popularity in the United States during the 1820s and 1830s as a symbol of democracy and classical ideals. This style, characterized by symmetry, bold columns, and pediments inspired by ancient Greek temples, represented a departure from the earlier Federal style toward a more monumental and nationalistic aesthetic.
In Kentucky, Greek Revival architecture flourished from 1825 to 1860, but few residential examples predate 1840, making the Orlando Brown House one of the earliest and finest in the state.
The house was designed by Gideon Shryock, Kentucky’s first professional architect and a pioneer in introducing Greek Revival to the region. Born in Lexington in 1802, Shryock trained under William Strickland in Philadelphia, who himself studied under Benjamin Latrobe, one of America’s earliest professional architects.
Shryock’s portfolio includes iconic public buildings like the Old State Capitol in Frankfort (completed in 1830), the Jefferson County Courthouse in Louisville (1835), Old Morrison at Transylvania University (1830), and the Franklin County Courthouse (1832).
Remarkably, the Orlando Brown House is Shryock’s only known private residence commission, highlighting its uniqueness. Senator John Brown, having served on the commission for the Old State Capitol, likely selected Shryock due to his proven expertise.
Consturction
Construction details reveal a collaborative and deliberate process. Built by local contractor Harrison Blanton as the bricklayer, with Dryden handling carpentry and Wickersham managing stonework, the project cost $5,000—a substantial sum for the time. Correspondence between Orlando and his wife Mary provides intimate insights: Orlando described agreeing with Shryock on the front facade, drawing inspiration from an English country house plan in one of Shryock’s architectural books.
The result is a two-story brick structure with a prominent portico supported by fluted columns, a pedimented gable, and symmetrical windows. The facade’s grandeur evokes classical temples, while the side elevations maintain simplicity with evenly spaced fenestration. Inside, the house features intricate plasterwork by Harry Mordecai, a freed Black craftsman renowned for his contributions to Frankfort’s notable buildings, including decorative cornices and medallions that add elegance to the parlors and dining areas.
Interior
The interior preserves much of the Brown family’s original furnishings, portraits, and artifacts, offering a vivid portrayal of 19th-century domestic life. Rooms are adorned with period furniture, including mahogany pieces from the Federal and Empire styles, family silver, and artwork collected by generations of Browns.
The formal parlor, with its high ceilings and ornate mantelpieces, reflects the family’s social status, while bedrooms upstairs retain personal touches like quilts and writing desks. The house’s layout emphasizes functionality and symmetry, with a central hallway leading to balanced rooms on either side, typical of Greek Revival designs.
Gardens
Complementing the architecture are the site’s formal gardens, which enhance the historical ambiance. Originally part of the four-acre estate, the gardens feature boxwood hedges, perennial borders, and pathways that connect the Orlando Brown House to Liberty Hall. Efforts by the NSCDA-KY have included removing intrusive later structures to restore the original vista, creating a cohesive historic landscape.
Today
In its current role as a museum, the Orlando Brown House welcomes visitors from mid-March to mid-November, with guided tours available daily at 1:30 p.m. These tours, often combined with Liberty Hall, delve into the family’s history, architectural details, and the broader context of Kentucky’s development.
Special events, such as holiday teas and educational programs, further engage the public. The site’s designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1971 underscores its importance, and ongoing preservation efforts ensure that this architectural gem continues to educate and inspire.
The Orlando Brown House not only honors the vision of Gideon Shryock and the legacy of the Brown family but also stands as a bridge to Kentucky’s past, reminding us of the enduring power of thoughtful design and historical stewardship.
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