The Bell House

Built in 1815, the Bell House is one of the older active-and-standing structures in Kentucky.  A landmark in Montgomery County, the building has been everything from a personal residence to the local jail.

The home was built 200 years ago by William Bell, a hat maker.  Bell ran his business in the house until 1820 when he partnered with Samuel Campbell.  Newspaper records from that time depicted Bell and Campbell offering money for lamb’s wool and rabbit skins that would be used in the production of their hats. This partnership split up around 1829 when Campbell opened a separate shop focusing on hats of the latest fashions. The two reformed their partnership in 1832 on Main Street.

It is presumed that Bell lived in the house until he departed for Missouri before 1840.  In 1883, the County bought the house and adjoining lot for $2,625 to be used as the jail and jailer’s residence. An additional for cell blocks was added to the back (but has since been torn down).  It operated a jail until 1980.

Inside Features

The House features many classic and antique aspects such as the handcrafted winding staircase and hand-carved designs around the fireplaces in each room.  The original paintings of Nancy Allison hang on nearly every wall in the House.