BEAUMONT INN

News release

After many years of research, the book “Beaumont Inn: Two Centuries of Service” by John David Myles traces the evolution of Kentucky’s oldest family-operated inn. The book release kicks off the 100th anniversary celebration of the inn and the 200th anniversary of this location welcoming guests. 

This 125-page hardback book by historian Myles is the first written documentation of many oral accounts and recently discovered tidbits about the beloved American landmark operated by five generations of the Dedman family.

“Most of the knowledge we had of this wonderful building and property was from family lore, stories passed through generations, but no actual research,” says Helen Dedman, fourth generation owner of Beaumont Inn. “John David Myles researched tedious and fascinating deed chains back to the beginning of time. You’ll love the vast array of characters from Kentucky pioneers to a United States Supreme Court Judge who have a connection with our establishment – a true historical drama.”

Located in Kentucky’s oldest town, Harrodsburg, the journey begins some 200 years ago as the first tourists journeyed to the natural mineral springs. In fact, the summer of 1808 welcomed 1,500 guests in cabins and modest rooms. Read endless interlocking stories of the springs and the creation of Kentucky’s trailblazing college for women. After the college closed, the Dedman family journey began as a graduate-turned-teacher bought the grand building and transformed it into the landmark inn and restaurant that opened in 1919.

Read how it became one of the top culinary and bourbon destinations in the country. Their trailblazing into hospitality and known-for dishes such as yellow-legged chicken, corn pudding and two-year old Kentucky country ham led them to win the prestigious James Beard Foundation American Classics Award in 2015. Also, their early years of distilling in the Bourbon capital of the world led to fifth generation Dixon Dedman’s return of Kentucky Owl Bourbon Whiskey, about 135 years after his great-great grandfather first distilled it.

“I love the pictures John David has included—early settlers, long gone properties, and intriguing items he found during the process,” Dedman adds. “John David’s research revealed the actual facts related to the family stories of ‘Whisky Thieves and Bourbon Heists.’ Just this past year, we created the Bourbon Tasting Room decorated with the Dedman Distillery history.”

Constructed in 1845, the present Main Inn was a school for young ladies known as Daughters College, later becoming Beaumont College until 1916. 

Today, visitors are welcome to tour the first floor of the Main Inn to see a fascinating collection of historic photographs, artifacts and antiques. This book accompanies the recent release of the 6th version of the Beaumont Inn Recipes Cookbook. Purchase the book for $28 at the Inn’s gift shop or beaumontinn.com.

About the author

John David Myles is an attorney, former Circuit Judge, and preservationist. He has written and lectured on architecture for the Filson Historical Society and prepared historical and architectural reports on a number of southern hunting plantations for Plantation Services, Inc., in Charleston, South Carolina. Myles has also consulted on numerous restoration and renovation projects. His Historic Architecture of Shelby County, Kentucky 1792-1915 received the 2017 Samuel W. Thomas Book Award from the Louisville Historical League and a 2017 Publication Award from the Kentucky Historical Society.

IF YOU GO 

A book signing by John David Myles, “Beaumont Inn: Two Centuries of Service”  5-7 p.m. on Feb. 9 at Beaumont Inn, 638 Beaumont Inn Drive, Harrodsburg.