 | Photo Courtesy of Conrad-Caldwell House
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The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum1402 St. James Court Louisville, Kentucky 40208
The "Conrad's Castle," which it is often referred to - is a magnificent Richardsonian
Mansion situated on St. James Court in the heart of the neighborhood of Old Louisville.
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is the most outstanding and stunning of the Old
Louisville houses. This neighborhood was the former site of the Southern Exposition of
1883.
History of the Conrad-Caldwell House
The house was originally built for Theophilus Conrad, a Frenchman who made his fortune in
the tanning business. The original cost of the house was a sum of $35,000. The Caldwell
family purchased the house in 1905, after Mr. Conrad's death. The Caldwell family occupied
the residence for 35 years. For the following 40 years the property served
 | Photo Courtesy of Conrad-Caldwell House
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as the Rose Anna Hughes Presbyterian Retirement Home. In 1987, the St. James Court
Historic Foundation purchased the home, restored it and now operates the mansion as a
museum.
Interior of Conrad's Castle of Old Louisville
A walk around the exterior of the Richardsonian Mansion gives one a view of all the
gargoyles, swags, massive arches and fleur-de-lis. Inside the mansion one may view the
butler's pantry where everything needed for food service was kept and the safe which is
hidden behind the door where the family's silver was stored. In the formal dining room
there is a gas fireplace and the furnishings display what a formal lifestyle of that
period was observed. The parlor is the most elegant room in the house and the woodwork is
of birdseye maple. The chandelier is original to the room and was wired
 | Photo Courtesy of Conrad-Caldwell House
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for electricity and plumbed for gas lighting. The magnificent front stairway has
elaborately carved woodwork including the hand-rail and skirting along the stairway and
balcony.
Southern Exposition of 1883 and St. James Court Art Show of 2002
The Southern Exposition was the World Fair of its time and it was held annually from 1883
- 1887. The Exposition proclaimed the rebirth of Southern industry. Thomas Edison
personally turned on the switch to light the Exposition - the largest lighting display of
electric lighting outside of New York City. Upon the end of the Exposition the
neighborhood of St. James, Belgravia and Fountain Courts were established. This
neighborhood has earned its place in the history of Louisville as the most beautiful and
recognizable area of the city.
The St. James Court Art Show - now one of the largest open air art shows in the country is
held in this neighborhood during the first week-end of October. Over 700 artists exhibit
and sell paintings, sculptures, textiles, art glass, pottery, jewelry and much more. This
event draws several hundred thousand people each year - to enjoy the magnificent Victorian
architecture and fantastic fall colors. The Conrad-Caldwell House is open for public
tours. For information on tours and local events call: 502-636-5023.
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