Whitehaven is a majestic landmark cherished by the people of Paducah and the surrounding areas.  The original mansion has been around since the 1860's, and throughout it's years has received many additions.  At one time it seemed as though this mansion was destined to be destroyed.  The last owners left in 1968 with the belief that the house would be torn down due to the construction of I-24.  The house was not destroyed, but due to it being vacant a great deal of vandalism occurred.  All of the original stained glass was removed or stolen, the interior mirrors were destroyed, and most of the doors and windows were broken.  Water leakage also damaged much of the ceiling and floors.  It appeared the house was doomed until three key events happened in the spring of 1981.  First, the Smith family sold the house and property to Paducah Community College.  Second, the state of Kentucky relocated the money for building an I-24 Tourism welcome center in the Paducah area.  Third, and most importantly, Kentucky Secretary of Transportation  Frank Metts and Gov. John Y. Brown Jr., threw their entire support to restoring the Smith Mansion for the Tourist Welcome Center instead of building a new one.  Whitehaven has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.  It is recognized as having outstanding historic and architectural significance.