In the charming town of Georgetown, Kentucky, the Hawkins House stands as a testament to the region's rich history and architectural evolution. This historic building, also known as the Cantrill House, has served various purposes over the centuries, from a bustling ropewalk to a serene residential dwelling. Its story is intertwined with the development of Georgetown and the broader narrative of Kentucky's early industries and educational institutions.
The origins of Georgetown date back to 1784 when Elijah Craig established the town of Lebanon, Virginia, in what is now Scott County, Kentucky. By 1790, the town was renamed George Town in honor of the first President of the United States, George Washington, and later shortened to Georgetown. The town's development centered around Royal Spring, a reliable water source that supported both residents and local industries.
Hemp was one of the earliest successful industries in Georgetown, and in 1789, Elijah Craig founded one of the first successful ropewalks in Kentucky. The land where the Hawkins House now stands was initially part of this industrial endeavor. Early property records indicate that the Hawkins family owned the land, which was referred to as ropewalk alley. Thomas Hawkins capitalized on the abundant hemp crops in Scott County by establishing a ropewalk and bagging factory on the property. The land continued to be used for hemp production well into the 1850s.
Georgetown College, a prominent educational institution in the region, has a long and storied relationship with the Hawkins House. The college first purchased the property in August 1830, shortly after deciding to establish a Baptist college in Georgetown. The building was the first property acquired by the new institution. However, after securing other land for the college, the property was sold to Joseph Lemon, who reverted it to its original use as a ropewalk and bagging factory.
In 1853, Georgetown College reacquired the property from E.N. Eliot. During this period, the building served as the college president's house and later as a men's dormitory known as Judson Hall. The college sold the house again in 1858, but it would return to the institution's ownership one final time in 1930 when it was purchased from W.E. Haynes and his wife Frances (Wood). The following year, the property was sold to Mary Garth Hawkins, cementing its association with the Hawkins family.
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Throughout its history, the Hawkins House has been home to several well-known Scott County families. In 1858, J.J. Rucker, a professor of mathematics, purchased the property for use as a residence. Dr. J. Campbell Cantrill and his wife also resided in the house, adding to its legacy as a cherished family home.
The Hawkins House played a crucial role in the history of the Georgetown Female Seminary. When the seminary building was destroyed by fire, J.J. Rucker generously offered his home to house the women students. One notable graduate of the seminary who stayed at the Hawkins House was Sallie Rochester Ford, who later became a writer and newspaper editor.
The architectural significance of the Hawkins House is evident in its design and construction. The building features a central section flanked by two-bay wings on either side. The oldest part of the house is the west wing, which includes six-panel doors and a simple fireplace mantel, suggesting a construction date as early as 1790. This section also boasts a freestanding chimney and staircase, independent from the rest of the structure.
The east wing of the house, constructed at a later date, features reeded recesses and reeding on the chair rail and mantels. These details reflect the architectural styles of the period and add to the building's historical charm.
The historical and architectural significance of the Hawkins House was formally recognized on April 2, 1973, when it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This designation ensures that the building's legacy will be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Today, the Hawkins House stands as a symbol of Georgetown's rich history and the enduring legacy of the families and institutions that have called it home. Visitors to Georgetown can explore this historic building and gain a deeper understanding of the town's development and the pivotal role it played in Kentucky's early industries and education. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to experience the charm of a bygone era, the Hawkins House offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
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