(BEDFORD) – Lawrence County boasts a strong historical connection to the American Red Cross thanks to Dr. Joseph Gardner, a Bedford physician who married Clara Barton’s secretary, Enola Lee.
A new driving tour produced by Bedford Revitalization guides visitors to six sites that tell the story, including a home owned by Gardner now serving as Bedford City Hall (above).
The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by a Lawrence County hero, Clara Barton, who is one of the most honored women in American history. Barton risked her life to provide supplies to soldiers in the field during the Civil War. It was Clara’s personal mission to provide help to people in distress, in any way she could manage.
Bedford City Hall/Malott House
Dr. Joseph Gardner inherited the white brick home that is now Bedford’s City Hall. Gardner was a respected Civil War surgeon, amateur astronomer, photographer and inventor. Dr. Gardner met Enola Lee, Clara Barton’s secretary, and fell in love with her passion and drive.
Lawrence County Museum of History
Located on the north side of the Bedford Square, the museum has local Red Cross information, photographs, and artifacts, including a bolero, a short-tailored jacket, given to Enola Gardner by Clara Barton.
American Red Cross – Bedford Office
The local chapter of the American Red Cross was chartered in 1917. The organization purchased an office in 1989; however, in 2016 due to the American Red Cross consolidations nationwide, the office was sold. Bedford was able to retain a local office in the basement of the Bedford Business Center, where they kept emergency supplies and supported training volunteers.
Site of Historic Red Cross Farms
Dr. Gardner found his passion for volunteering to help disaster relief while he and his wife were working side-by-side helping soldiers in need, during the Spanish-American War. Dr. Gardner and Enola were proud founding members of the American Red Cross and often hosted Clara while she was visiting in Lawrence County.
In 1893, Dr. Gardner deeded a 782-acre tract of land, including small villages of Yockey and Juliet, to Clara Barton and the American Red Cross as a thank you offering to humanity. Clara’s first visit to the Red Cross Farm was in May 1893, when she was 72 years old.
Red Cross Cemetery
This prominent reminder of the Red Cross Farm is an enduring testament of Lawrence County’s mark in American Red Cross history.
Red Cross Log Cabin
The Red Cross Log Cabin was reconstructed at Spring Mill State Park in 2018. It was originally constructed by Joseph Gardner on the Red Cross Farm in 1904 after his home was destroyed by fire.
Download the American Red Cross Driving Tour Brochure here, or stop by the Lawrence County Visitors Center to pick up a copy and start your tour today.
For more information visit limestonecountry.com.
