600-plus attend Holt Community Day;
nearly $34,000 raised for renovation

More than 600 people attended the 4th Annual Holt House Community Day in Hardinsburg Sept. 22 and final totals show that nearly $34,000 has been raised to renovate the mansion of the nation’s first judge advocate general. The funds, raised the past seven months, will be used to match an additional federal grant for renovation of the estate.

An earlier grant has enabled the county and Friends of the Holt House to hire an architect who will begin restoration planning. Breckinridge County Judge Executive Maurice Lucas said an architectural study may begin as early as this fall.

The Community Days for the Holt House have been instrumental in making the public aware of the multi-story mansion, built in circa 1850 by Breckinridge native Joseph Holt, spokeswoman Susan Dyer said.

“Judge Holt was an outstanding attorney and one of the nation’s top legal minds, prior to and during the Civil War,” Dyer added. “His home is a historical and architectural masterpiece and we formed the Friends of the Holt House to assist with fundraising needed to restore the structure to its original state and full majestic beauty. The Friends group also will help coordinate events at the house.

“During the time of the Civil War, most Americans knew the name Joseph Holt. However, Holt became a forgotten man and his home was abandoned for more than 40 years. We have kindled a new interest and the county and our group of dedicated local volunteers have really stepped forward to make sure both are remembered,” she concluded.

Judge Joseph Holt (1807-1894), a prominent lawyer and Breckinridge County native who rose to national prominence in the administration of President Abraham Lincoln, became the nation’s first Judge Advocate General (JAG) in 1862. His most memorable role came following the assassination of President Lincoln when he presided over the trial of the Lincoln assassination conspirators.

Holt also served as Commissioner of Patents (1857), Postmaster General (1859) and Secretary of War (1860) under President James Buchanan. He was Judge Advocate General from 1862-75.

The mansion Holt built is now owned by the Breckinridge County Fiscal Court. It is an official Lincoln site on the Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail and is the last site yet to be renovated. The Holt House, a legacy project of the Kentucky Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, has received grants for its acquisition and stabilization, including a $500,000 Transportation Enhancement Grant that was received for renovation.

The Holt House is seen as a major tourist attraction for Breckinridge County, highlighting the nation’s Lincoln connection to Judge Holt. The house and surrounding 19.5 acres were acquired by Breckinridge County Fiscal Court in December 2008 through the Lincoln Bicentennial Preservation Grant. A family cemetery with Joseph Holt’s burial site is located east of the home.