Operating Story

McDowell House is not only a beautiful home full of artistic style and antiques, but also where a dramatic story happened on Christmas Day 1809.

Ephraim McDowell was a well-educated physician who had trained at the prestigious University of Edinburgh, Scotland before coming home to practice in what was then the new state of Kentucky.

One day an urgent messenger came for him, asking him to visit a woman who was trying to deliver twins. He traveled the two days on horseback to see her, but upon arriving he immediately realized it was not a baby, but a life-threatening tumor. Unfortunately the surgery that could save her life was considered impossible.

Come visit to hear the amazing story relayed by your personal tour guide!