Explore Historic McDowell House Museum Tours in Danville, KY
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves gentle walking and standing.
Overview
Join a captivating private tour of the McDowell House Museum in Danville, KY, and witness the birthplace of modern abdominal surgery. Experience rich stories of courage and medical breakthroughs that shaped history.
McDowell House Museum Tours
One Hour • All ages welcome
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About This Adventure
Discover the McDowell House Museum, a National Historic Landmark where medical history was transformed. Explore the restored home of pioneering surgeon Dr. Ephraim McDowell, who performed the first abdominal surgery in 1809. Experience a captivating guided tour that recounts the daring and dramatic story of courage and innovation.
Explore the McDowell House
Duration
1 Hour
About
McDowell House Museum is a restored and furnished house museum with a historic pharmacy and two gardens! Come visit this National Historic Landmark where medical history was made. McDowell House is the former home and office of pioneering surgeon Dr. Ephraim McDowell.
Here on Christmas morning 1809 in an upstairs bedroom, Dr. McDowell performed a surgical experiment on a brave and desperate woman named Jane Todd Crawford. Without medical intervention, Mrs. Crawford was doomed to die a slow and painful death from a huge abdominal tumor. Dr. Ephraim McDowell dared to try the impossible, surgically removing the abdominal tumor. This type of surgery had never been done before. Anesthesia, antibiotics, and modern sterilization techniques were unknown. Take a personally guided tour and hear the dramatic story!
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Tours include walking around the historic grounds, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a bottle of water
Stay hydrated during your outdoor tour, especially during warmer months.
Check tour availability in advance
Private tours can fill up, so early booking ensures your preferred date and time.
Photography is allowed
Capture historic architecture and exhibits, but avoid flash near delicate artifacts.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern chipmunk
- Northern cardinal
History
The McDowell House is where Dr. Ephraim McDowell completed the world’s first successful laparotomy, a landmark in surgical history.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to preserve the historic structure and grounds while promoting sustainable tourism practices in Danville.
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Adventure Hotspots in Lexington
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Ensures comfort for walking around the museum grounds.
Water bottle
Helps stay hydrated during warmer months.
summer specific
Light jacket or sweater
Protects against cool breezes during spring tours.
spring specific
Camera or smartphone
Useful for capturing photos of the historic house and artifacts.