​Father of Bluegrass Music
​National Historic Site Birthplace of Bill Monroe
In the fall of 1911, high on a lonely ridge near Rosine, Kentucky, Malissa Monroe played the mandolin under a shade tree in the yard of her home. She was waiting to give birth to a son who would become the "Father of Bluegrass Music".
That tree still stands near the white clapboard house at the birthplace of William Smith Monroe, the man now internationally known for creating a treasured American art form. Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys came onto the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in1939, captivated the audience and then, the world with a new kind of music. Monroe remains the only person ever to be inducted into the trio of the Bluegrass, Country, and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. He received the National Medal of the Arts from President Clinton in 1995.
Lovers of Bluegrass consider a visit to the "Homeplace " a pilgrimage . The house, overlooking five acres of the original 1,000 acre Monroe farm, was restored in 2001and is filled with cherished family belongings and signs of a remarkable career.
Propped all about, on rough-hewn fireplace mantels and dressers, are old photos of Malissa, musical brothers Charlie, Birch, and Speed and the famous Uncle Pen, the fiddler and mentor who was the inspiration for one of Monroe 's most beloved songs. An old tater-bug mandolin sits on the bed in Bill's childhood room.
If is seems that Monroe lives on in this country house, perhaps it is because the tour guides tell of his life and family so compellingly. Most of them knew Bill Monroe or grew up right across the ridge -- they too love the home that Monroe longed for in his songs.
CONTACT INFORMATION and ADDRESS :
6210 Hwy 62 East
6210 Hwy 62 East Rosine, KY 42349 270-274-9181 www.visitohiocountyky.org DIRECTIONS : Follow signs. From Western KY Pkwy: Take exit 75. Turn right on Hwy# 231 N, turn right at Hwy 62 E. Go approximately 6 miles, turn right at sign -Jerusalem Ridge/Bill Monroe Birthplace
From Natcher Parkway N: Take exit 48. Turn left at exit, turn left at Hwy #231 S. Follow signs. Turn left at Hwy 62 E, proceed as above .
HOURS : Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p .m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Winter hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p .m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
