Vest-Lindsey House
401 Wapping Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-6980

Open: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; closed weekends & holidays
Uses: conference center, three rooms are open to the public for small meetings; second floor is used for office space
Charges: Small fee for use of the facility for meetings and conferences upon availability (price schedule available upon request)
Parking: Street parking available
Wheelchair Access: Yes (first floor)
Built: Before 1820
Style of Architecture: Federal-style
Number of Rooms: 12

The Vest-Lindsey House, a small Federal-style home built with red brick and laid-in Flemish bond, was named for the two families who owned it. The 12-room house, built before 1820, was the boyhood home of George Graham Vest, who served in the U.S. Senate for 25 years until his death in 1903. He was also a member of the Confederate States of America Congress. Vest is best remembered for his closing trial arguments in the 1870 suit over a man's killing of his neighbor's dog. In his famed "Tribute to a Dog" speech, Vest coined the immortal line "Dog is man's best friend."

Daniel Weisiger Lindsey, a Union Army major general, Adjutant General and Inspector General of Kentucky's military forces, lived in the home after Vest. The Lindsey family owned the home for the next 100 years until it was rescued from demolition and purchased by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1965. The first floor is furnished with antiques and reproductions to reflect its original 19th century decor and is open to the public for tours and state meetings.

Business officials from all across Kentucky come to the Vest-Lindsey House to meet. The charming home provides atmosphere away from the hectic pace of the office. The family and formal dining rooms on the first floor are open to the public for conferences and accommodate up to 25 guests. Groups are responsible for providing their own refreshments. A list of local caterers is available, and guests have free use of a large kitchen in the basement, which is fully equipped with fine china and utensils.

Community and service groups may use Vest-Lindsey's facilities when it is available. The house is not open to personal entertaining or fund-raising events. Please contact the Vest-Lindsey House at (502) 564-6980 for scheduling information.