York House

York House, located at 210 Main Street in Pikeville, KY was constructed in the years leading up to the Civil War, though its exact date of construction has not been preserved on historical documents. It was initially occupied and owned by Col. John Dils and his wife, the former of whom was a well-known businessman and abolitionist. In 1864, the home was passed down to the Dils' daughter and her husband, J.M. York, a prominent judge in Pikeville. Today, it serves as the location of a children's boutique in addition to being accepted by the National Register of Historic Places for its notable Italianate architecture and its status as the oldest unaltered residence in Pikeville.

York House was constructed sometime during the two decades leading up to the Civil War, though the exact record of its construction have not been preserved. It is known, however, that the home, then called the Dils House, was inhabited by Col. John Dils and his wife. Dils was an extremely prominent figure in the Pikeville community, having previously served in the 39th Kentucky Mounted Infantry during the Civil War and later establishing a local convenience store and helping to establish the state's first racially integrated cemetery, Dils Cemetery. 

In 1864, Col. Dils and his wife deeded the home to their daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. York. The Yorks lived in the home for decades after it was gifted to them and soon proved, like the home's previous owners, to be invaluable members of the Pikeville community. While living in the home, the two built and established the Creekmore mansion, whose unique architectural style sets it apart from other residences in the town. In addition, Mr. York served as a judge from the years 1900-1904 and, together with his wife, made frequent contributions to the Pikeville College, leading to the home eventually becoming known as the York House. 

The home, a two story frame house, is notable for its Italianate style, featuring a polygonal bay as well as rounded arch windows, overhanging eaves, and a one story front porch. In addition to its notable design, York House is the oldest unaltered residence in Pikeville, a fact made all the more remarkable given the excellent condition it is in even today, and which led to its admittance into the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, the home is still in near-perfect condition, and is currently housing a business called Spoiled Rotten, a clothing boutique for small children. The current owners of the home and business have taken care to avoid altering the home in any manner, so visitors of the famous York House can observe the home as it was when it was inhabited by both the Dils and the Yorks. 

Historical Designation Nomination Form - York House. National Park Service. August 1974. Accessed July 1, 2019. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/9ff9f327-4f3d-417b-8e36-a567fe24662a/

Historic York House. VisitPikeville.com. Accessed July 02, 2019. https://www.visitpikeville.com/attractions/historic-york-house.