Owned by Captain William "Billy" Bush, but ownership was granted to Martin by the first Governor of Kentucky, Isaac Shelby. If you want to view the barn and the farmhouse, we are open by appointment and whenever we are at home--please call ahead to make sure we are there to help you. Tourists and genealogists are welcome to stop by to see the historic farmhouse and barn for free. Jae can provide s
ome information on the history of the Bush/D***s farmhouse and the barn, which will eventually be written for a quick-read brochure. FACILITIES:
Please bear in mind that this is a 225+ historic property. There is no running water in the barn, however, there is running water in the nearby farmhouse kitchen, as well as a restroom for guest use. We reserve the right to make changes to our rules policies as needed. PLEASE NOTE: The location on the map is incorrect and attempts to correct it have been ignored. Continue southwest on Old Boonesboro Road toward 627 and it will be on the left corner, just before reaching 627, near the top of the triangular shaped property. HISTORY: The Olde Rock Barn and the nearby farmhouse were originally owned by Captain William "Billy" Bush, who accompanied Daniel Boone on the second expedition through the Cumberland Gap. Bush returned with a party of about 40 people and settled land on the north side of the Kentucky River, which was then officially Indian territory. Bush's nephew inherited the land upon Bush's death in 1815 and sold it nine years later, in 1824, to the Dyche family, who came from Holland. The Dyche name morphed into the surname "D***s." The property has remained in the D***s family to this day. Although the home and barn were originally part of the Bush estate, it came to be known locally as "The D***s House." Captain William Bush, his wife and other Bush and D***s family members are buried in the graveyard at the top of the hill just across the road. The rock barn is believed to have been built by one of two local stonemasons, John Martin. Originally thought to be built in the 1790s, legend from local people have dated the barn circa 1778.
