Historic Structures at Constitution Square
The Governor's Circle
A bronze statue depicting the state seal is the centerpiece in a circle of plaques dedicated to each Kentucky governor. The state insignia depicts two friends embracing, representing the motto, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall".
The Constitution Square Courthouse
The original log courthouse, completed in 1785, which housed the Supreme Court of the District of Kentucky and the ten constitutional conventions which led to statehood. A replica of the original stands on this site today.
Isaac Shelby State Historic Site
Visit the grave of Isaac Shelby, Kentucky's first and fifth governor. Shelby (1750-1826) was so highly esteemed for his military, political and educational accomplishments that counties in nine states are named after him.
At the end of his illustrious career, Shelby was buried in the cemetery of his estate, known as Traveller's Rest. The estate home was destroyed long ago, but it was located close to the preserved family cemetery, which sits under grand old trees amidst serene countryside.
Jail
One of the first directives of the Kentucky Supreme Court was the construction of a jail. Like the replica at the site today, the original jail was a formidable stockade, constructed with 9-inch thick logs.
Meetinghouse
A meetinghouse was erected in 1784 under the direction of the Reverend David Rice. It housed the Concorde Presbyterian Congregation, the first Presbyterians in Kentucky. A replica of this building stands on this site today.
Post Office
This original building, built pre-1792, served as the first post office west of the Allegheny Mountains. The first mail was delivered on November 3, 1792.
Fisher's Row
The two, two-story brick houses are joined by a common wall. These row houses were built in 1817 by Jeremiah Fisher for use as rental property. The buildings now house the Wilderness Trace Art League and an Education Center.
Watts-Bell House
This house, circa 1816-1817, was built by William Watts for leading Danville merchant David Bell. Like the Fisher's Row houses adjacent to it, the Watts-Bell house is constructed of brick in the Flemish bond pattern. The building now houses the Danville/Boyle County Historical Society. Museum admission charge.
Schoolhouse
This is the first brick schoolhouse west of the Alleghenies, circa 1820. Closed to the public.
Grayson's Tavern
This original tavern was built in 1785 by Benjamin Grayson. The tavern was often the meeting place for the Political Club and the scene of many heated debates about issues concerning statehood.
This building houses the Danville-Boyle County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Alban Goldsmith House
This circa 1820 brick house was the residence of Dr. Alban Goldsmith. Dr. Goldsmith was a pupil and assistant to Dr. Ephraim McDowell, whose home is located opposite Constitution Square on Second Street. Goldsmith assisted Dr. McDowell when he performed the first ovariotomy on Jane Todd Crawford in 1809, pioneering abdominal surgery. This building houses Constitution Square’s Museum Store, with Kentucky handcrafts, souvenirs and educational items.