History

an old photo of a couple

1847

Construction Begins

In 1847, Andrew Jackson Caldwell laid out the foundation for his new family home. With a desire for distinction, his home would not be a simple structure with four walls like so many others, but an eight sided edifice unique to the region.

black and white photo of the octagon hall

1859

Construction Completed

Completed in 1859, it would soon become a landmark in the south-central Kentucky area.

confederate soldiers

1862

Confederate Occupation

With the fall of Forts Henry and Donelson in 1862, Confederate forces evacuated their stronghold in Bowling Green, KY and took refuge at Octagon Hall. An estimated eight to ten thousand Confederate soldiers camped on the grounds on February 13th before retreating into Tennessee the following morning. Just two days later the Union army came in pursuit of the Confederates and took occupation of the Hall.

people outside the octagon hall in the past

1865

Civil War Years

Following their brief occupation of the Hall, Union forces continued to harass the Caldwell's, who were known to be Confederate supporters. Throughout the war, Union forces would sneak onto the grounds to and attempt to catch Caldwell in the act of harboring Confederates.

Octagon Hall 1918 black and white picture

1918

Doctor Miles Willams

In 1918 Doctor Miles Willams, an osteopath from Nashville, Tennessee purchased Octagon Hall. Dr. Williams moved from Nashville and made the Octagon Hall his residence until his death in 1954.

octagon hall in modern day

2001

The Octagon Hall Foundation

Upon Dr. Willam's death, Octagon Hall became a rental property under the ownership of his heirs. It remained a rental until 2001 when The Octagon Hall Foundation was formed and obtained the building. Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the only eight-sided house in Kentucky, The Octagon Hall Foundation is furthering the efforts to save the past for the future.