Movie stars, rock band members at O’Bannon House dedication in Russellville

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- “I’m a Marine so I thought oh my gosh,” said Major General Jerry Humble.

That’s the reaction of every Marine who walks through the O’Bannon House in Russellville. Lieutenant Presley N. O’Bannon built the house in 1812…over 200 years ago. 

“Every Marine that’s ever lived knows who Presley O’Bannon is,” said Humble.

Presley O’Bannon is the first American to plant a U.S. flag on foreign soil.

“Going after the barbary pirates in 1805. And they were successful because he was successful. It helped us in becoming a great national power and a great commercial power,” said Humble.

He’s an icon to Marines. Many notable people were in attendance for the dedication ceremony, such as Senator Rand Paul’s wife Kelley Paul, members of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and famous actor Tom Berenger. 

Berenger has been in numerous films, including some about American war history. He played a confederate general in the 1993 film Gettysburg. 

“I’m really a history aficionado, it’s really my forte, so I just gobble this stuff up. And I’ll read 9, 10 books on the same thing,” said Berenger.

The foundation hopes the home and O’Bannon’s story educates people of South Central Kentucky for years to come. 

“The mission is to preserve and restore this old home to provide a venue to promote patriotism and American history which we need so badly today,” said Humble.

To learn more about the foundation or to donate, click here.