Take a Dive Into History-O’Bannon House
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Marine Major General Ret. Jerry Humble is Anthony Carnes’ first cousin. He was born in Carnes’ grandparent’s n(Walter & Margie Carnes) house in Russell Co. He spent some of his childhood here. (He attended high school here for a while). His father Sam Humble was a Methodist preacher and his mother Helen Carnes Humble was Carnes’ dads’ sister. His list of accomplishments is long and he is a veteran on Vietnam and Desert Storm. He grew up in Russellville, Ky , played football for WKU, and recently bought the Presley O’bannon house there. O’bannon was the first marine to raise the US flag on foreign soil. Jerry is restoring the home to preserve and teach history
Located at 515 South Main Street in Russellville, KY sits a house rich in history. The O’Bannon House was recently acquired by new owners and been renovated for the public to learn a little about United States and Kentucky history.
The O’Bannon House is the home of the first American to plant our flag on foreign soil. In 1805 Lieutenant Presley N. O’Bannon USMC was sent by President Thomas Jefferson to take down the Barbary pirates in Tripoli who were holding hostage 180 Americans. The first verse of the US Marine Corps Hymn “to the shores of Tripoli” refers to this victory that propelled America to becoming a world power. The home is built on land granted to Maj Gen Daniel Morgan for his historic service in the Revolution. Morgan’s granddaughter, Abigail, was given this land when she married O’Bannon and they built their home here in 1812. O’Bannon later served in both houses of Kentucky Congress for 12 years. His grave is in the Frankfort Cemetery overlooking the state Capitol.(visitlogancounty.org)
A dedication ceremony was recently held with several notables in attendance. Rand Paul’s wife, Kelley Paul, members of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and actor, Tom Berenger were just some of those who were present at the ceremony.
Tours are held on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM -1:00 PM (please email to schedule). For more information you can visit info@obannonhouse.org or call 270-796-7327
