Originally built in the Federal Style, this 1820 house originally faced the Ohio River. The house was originally built for Dr. Guy Wright, the “first student in the West” to receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The home was remodeled in the 1850s and the entrance changed to face East 3rd Street. This house is best known for its resident, Daniel Carter Beard, the founder of the Boy Scouts of America.
During the Civil War, pioneer artist James Beard rented the house. His son Daniel spent his childhood in this home and played along the banks of the Licking River. Daniel Carter Beard (1850-1941) became a celebrated author (best known for The American Boy’s Handy Book), illustrator (several of Mark Twain’s books), an artist, and naturalist.
Daniel Carter Beard was the founder of the “Sons of Daniel Boone” which became the “Boy Scouts of America” in 1910.
The Daniel Carter Beard house was chosen as a National Historic Landmark in June 1965.
Note the following:
The division/line in the brick wall – the “front” with arched windows is the original 1821 house – the back with the square windows is the 1850s addition. The original 1821 house used to face the Ohio.
The various plaques on the posts – of special note:
1934 Plaque was installed in honor of a visit from Daniel Beard
1965 National Landmark – only two in NKY – the Roebling Bridge and this house
Sources:
Covington at 200: Points of View © 2015 Batter Row Productions, Produced and Directed by Steve Oldfield & Sean Thomas.
Gateway City: Covington, Kentucky 1815-2015 © 2015 Clerisy Press, Edited by Paul A. Tenkotte, PhD; James C. Claypool, PhD; & David E. Schroder.
Kenton County Public Library’s Local History and Genealogy Department.