The Historic Southgate House has enjoyed a notable past, including visits by future presidents, American innovators, and others who shaped the course of world history.

Richard Southgate came to Newport, KY, from Richmond, VA, in 1795. Two years later he began practicing law in the Court of Kentucky and was appointed Campbell County's Commonwealth Attorney in 1798. He became a state representative in 1803 and served as senator from 1817 until 1821.

Southgate also undertook the manufacture of silk; on January 21, 1854, he received a silver medal for "Perfection and General Excellence of Silk" at the New York Crystal Palace Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations (the so-called "World's Fair").

Southgate built this House around 1814, replacing the log (or frame) dwelling his family had inhabited for the past two decades. This beamed two-story home was built by British prisoners of the War of 1812 who were confined in Newport.

The Southgate House originally occupied a full city block, surpassing a two-story, wood-frame home built by General Taylor at modern-day Third and Overton streets around 1812.

The Southgate House also intersected with history on its journey to battle in Texas' War for Independence. On December 30, 1835, a company of about 50 men, led by Captain Sherman and partly responsible for victory in the Battle of San Jacinto, were treated to a night of extravagance before leaving to battle Santa Ana. This victory at the Battle of San Jacinto produced the capture of Santa Ana and led to Texas' independence.

Around 1856, Abraham Lincoln was a guest of Southgate in this very building.

Richard and Ann Winston (Hinde) Southgate had many children. William Wright Southgate followed in his father's footsteps: his achievements include becoming a lawyer, a state representative (from 1827-1832-1836) and he was elected a U.S. Congressman in 1837. Edward Lush Southgate became a Methodist minister. Their daughter, Ann Hinde Southgate, and their son-in-law, Dr. Nathanial Buger Shaler (surgeon at the Newport Barracks), were the parents of Nathanial Southgate Shaler, a noted geologist, teacher and historian.

Richard died in July of 1857 at the age of 83, willing the home to his daughter, Frances Mary Tariaferro Parker. It is believed that Mrs. Parker had this house remodeled to modernize it, adding an entrance tower topped with a widow's walk and a mansard roof.

In 1869, Mrs. Parker deeded the house to her daughter Julia, reserving for herself the use of the home for her natural life. Ten years later, she amended that request to include "that part of my homestead which lies east of the Main Hall being two rooms and cellar, together with the free and uninterrupted use of the halls."

On May 31, 1888, Julia sold the home to Fannie Maddux, wife of Lewis O. Maddux. In this dwelling, on May 28, 1894, the Keturah Moss Taylor Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded. This was its first chapter in Northern Kentucky and its second in the state.

Brig. Gen. John Tariaferro Thompson, inventor of the Thompson Machine Gun, was born here on December 31, 1860. He was the son of Julia (Tariaferro) and James Thompson of the U.S. Army.

Thompson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1882. He retired in 1914 as a colonel, but was recalled to active duty in World War I as chief of a small arms division, eventually rising to the rank of brigadier general.

Tompson invented several semi-automatic rifles, but none gained such notoriety as the submachine gun he developed in 1920. The "Tommy Gun" was first used by U.S. Marines in Nicaragua in 1925. In England, General Thompson was awarded $15,000 and the title "Most Satisfactory Rifle" by the British War Office in 1928. With modification, this weapon was also used by the United States and her allies in World War II.

General Thompson's "Tommy Gun" became an American icon, largely because of its perceived ties with the Mafia underworld in the 1920s. Nicknamed "The "Chicago Piano" and "The Typewriter," the gun was sometimes carried in a violin case by thugs and hijackers of the Capone era. It is believed to be one of the primary weapons used in Chicago's infamous gangland St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

General Thompson died on June 21, 1940, and was buried at West Point. His father was stationed at Newport's Army Barracks more than a century ago.

For more information on General Thompson and the Thompson Machine Gun, check out The Unofficial Tommy Gun Page.

The Knights of Columbus Home Company of Campbell County purchased the Southgate House in August of 1914. They added our brick porch and a large room in the rear of the house, although a Thanksgiving Day fire on November 25, 1948, destroyed the rear addition. Shortly afterward, a new one was constructed.

The Historic Southgate House still overlooks Third Street. Although greatly altered, it was indeed Newport's first truly grand home.

Presently the Southgate House is nationaly recognized as a premier music venue, and it has also been incredibly supportive of the local music scene, heralded for its intimate setting and friendly atmosphere.

The first floor - Juney's Lounge - offers pool tables, comfortable seating, and one of the most incredible jukeboxes in the area, filled with obscure and classic country and rock 'n roll.

Our downstairs Ballroom features multiple bars, a state-of-the-art stage and sound system, room for 600 music fans and a balcony to accomodate larger performances.

A second-floor Parlour offers a more intimate and personal environment for relaxed performances.

The Southgate House Ballroom is located in the back of the building. The room features a full-service bar and a two-level, horse-shoe balcony. The Ballroom is used for larger performances and has featured an eclectic blend of local, national, and international performers.

The Ballroom's incredible stereo sound system, unique ambiance, and comfortable multi-level space offers patrons an unparalleled live music experience.

The Southgate House Parlour is on the second floor and considered by some to be the best room in the house. It's the spot to see local and national acts in a more intimate and cozy setting.

Check our calendar for nightly events. There's always something good, and it's always free in the Lounge!

Our third-floor Gallery is a great space for up-and-coming artists and other creative folks to get involved in the art world.

The Southgate House is located directly across the street from Newport On The Levee and The Newport Aquarium. Parking options include a lot on the east side of our building and a garage beneath Newport On The Levee. Street parking is also available, although we recommend that drivers pay attention to meter restrictions.

Bands:

Limited parking is available in Southgate Alley behind The Southgate House. Please park on THE RIGHT side of the alley, and only AFTER 6:00pm. Do not, for any reason, park your car/van on the left side of the alley.

Age Restrictions

Juney's Lounge:

21+ with state-issued ID

Parlour:

18+ with state-issued ID

Ballroom:

*18+ with state-issued ID

*ALL AGE SHOWS:

You will not need an ID to attend these shows, but you will only be permitted in the area hosting the all-ages event. If you are found in any restricted section of the building you will be asked to leave.

Photography

The decision to allow photography is made by the visiting artist. Please e-mail us with any questions regarding a particular event.

Smoking

Smoking is permitted in the building, although we do host many non-smoking Ballroom events. Check the calendar or call with any questions.

Rock Of All Ages - Cincinnati Magazine - October 2008
Great Venues: Newport, KY Southgate House (part 1) - Pandora - 2008
Great Venues: Newport, KY Southgate House (part 2) - Pandora - 2008
Wanda Jackson - Fox 19 WXIX - 2009