McDowell House in Danville, Kentucky provides historical, tourist, and genealogical information. Here on Christmas morning 1809, Dr. Ephraim McDowell performed surgery on Jane Todd Crawford for the removal of an ovarian tumor. The ovarian tumor he removed from Mrs. Crawford weighed twenty-two and one-half pounds. The surgery was performed without benefit of anesthetic or antisepsis, neither of which was known to the medical profession at the time. Mrs. Crawford's surgery was successful. She returned to her home in Green County twenty-five days after the operation and lived another thirty-two years. This was the first successful removal of an ovarian tumor in the world. Click here to learn more by visiting the History pages.

McDowell House has been named a National Historic Landmark. (click here)

Come see the newly renovated apothecary garden! Features 30 labeled plants!

(Click pictures to enlarge)

Updates on the 200th celebration will be posted
as dates and activities are announced.

6th Grade Essay Contest

THE INFAMOUS EPHRAIM
by Holly Henson

June 23 - July 4; Pioneer Playhouse, Danville

Before he was a statue, he was a man.... A riveting exploration of the conflict, conviction and courage surrounding medical pioneer Dr. Ephraim McDowell and his patient, Jane Todd Crawford. An exciting adventure for your inner history buff! Written and directed by Holly Henson A "don't miss" 200th anniversary celebration! Visit McDowell House during the day & see the play at night! Rated G.

McDowell/Crawford Bicentennial Lecture Series
at the Danville-Boyle County Library

Monday, July 13th: Dr. McDowell in Scotland
Dr. Glen Taul will speak on medical education at the University of Edinburgh at the time Dr. McDowell studied there in the 1790s. 6:30 pm

Thursday, October 15th: The McDowells of Rockbridge County

Dr. Taylor Sanders of Washington and Lee University will speak about Dr. McDowell's family and their time in Virginia. 6:30 pm

Monday, November 16th: The Shelby Family

Mrs. Carolyn Crabtree will speak about the Shelby family. Isaac Shelby was the first and fifth governor of Kentucky and Dr. McDowell’s father-in-law. 6:30 pm

Constitution Square Festival
Monday, September 20

Jane Todd Crawford: Her Story
A one person play that tells the story of the woman who endured Dr. McDowell's famous surgery. Features live Celtic music. Time TBA

Thank you for visiting today!

Tour the McDowell House Grounds