Inside the Historic Home of Jack Jouette Jr.

VERSAILLES, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Jack Jouett House is the historic site and the original home of the “Paul Revere of the South.” In addition, it’s also the boyhood home of Kentucky’s painter of the War of 1812, Matthew Harris Jouett. These outstanding Kentuckians were essential figures in the history of American and Kentucky.

Located in Versailles, Kentucky, you can tour the home and learn all about the history of this site and the people who lived here. Unknown to most Kentuckians, Jack Jouette Jr. was essential in helping warn Thomas Jefferson from an impending attack from the British. In the middle of the night, Jack Jouette Jr. heard hoof beats, looked up and realized that a troop of British soldiers, led by Banastre Tarleton, were marching by headed to Charlottesville, Virginia to capture Governor Thomas Jefferson and the Virginian General Assembly. He got on his horse and rode 40 miles through the back country to warn Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, and then onto Charlottesville at the Swan Tavern to warn the General Assembly to get out of the way. This was one of the many moments that helped win the war!

M any have compared Jack Jouette Jr.’s ride to that of Paul Revere in Boston. Revere rode for 15 miles, on roads, and even with help from others was eventually captured by the British. In comparison, Jack Jouette Jr. did it by himself, traveled 40 miles in cross country terrain and was never captured.

After the war, Jack Jouett moved here to Kentucky, settled just across the river in Mercer County. Hw then moved over to the now Jack Jouette House in Versailles, Kentucky in 1797. He was an important planter, amember of the Kentucky General Assembly and he was on the Constitutional Convention that met to make Kentucky it’s own state.

Learn more about the Jack Jouette House here and here!

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