Built for Senator John and Eliza Pope. Designed by B. H. Latrobe (1764-1820), father of American architectural profession and designer to Thomas Jefferson. The Pope Villa has hidden first-story services, with rotunda and major rooms on second story. . . . — — Map (db m169870) HM
Mary Desha, one of four founders
of the Daughters of the American
Revolution in 1890, taught public
school here, 1875-85. Designer of
society's seal. Taught in Alaska
schools, returned to Washington,
successfully advocated . . . — — Map (db m169869) HM
For three years (1821-1824) while a student at Transylvania University Jefferson Davis (afterwards President of Southern Confederacy) lived here with Joseph Ficklin then Postmaster of Lexington. — — Map (db m35839) HM
Keeneland Hall was named after the
Keeneland Foundation. Designed by
architects Frankel and Curtis of
Lexington, Keeneland Hall was a
modified Georgian structure. It had
four stories, a basement, and pairs of
double rooms with . . . — — Map (db m169896) HM
(obverse)
Methodism in Lexington
Revs. James Haw and Benjamin Ogden were sent in 1786 to Ky. to organize Methodists. In 1789, Rev. Francis Poythress established the Lexington Society of Methodists, now the First United Methodist . . . — — Map (db m70302) HM
Built in 1784 for Adam Rankin, minister of Lexington's pioneer Presbyterian Church. Samuel D. McCullough, born here in 1803, was a teacher, astronomer, antiquarian and maker of world-famous Burrowes mustard. In 1971, the Blue Grass Trust for . . . — — Map (db m169860) HM
Sarah Bennett Holmes
Holmes Hall was dedicated on May
25, 1958 and named for Sarah
Bennett Holmes, who served as the
University of Kentucky Dean of
Women from 1942 to 1957. In
addition to her longstanding service
to the University, . . . — — Map (db m169895) HM
This sign sits in the South Hill neighborhood, where five homes still stand with roots to Lexington's freed-black community. In this neighborhood. African Americans once lived alongside whites.
Although restricted in their rights, freedmen . . . — — Map (db m202850) HM
Home of the Wildcat rollercoaster, Joyland Railroad, a midway, Fayette Co.'s first public swimming pool & a dance casino featuring jazz and big bands like Duke Ellington & Artie Shaw, as well as local & regional entertainers. The segregated park . . . — — Map (db m202879) HM
Settled by Robert Patterson and companions in 1779. Major frontier town. Home of Henry Clay, Mary Todd, John Breckinridge, and of Transylvania College of the Bible, and University of Kentucky. — — Map (db m202880) HM
David R. Atchison born, 1807, in Frogtown, 2Ό miles S.W. Graduated, Transylvania Univ., 1825. Admitted to Ky. bar, 1829. Moved to Mo., 1830. U.S. Senator, 1843-55. As Pres. pro tem he became President of U.S., noon Sun., Mar. 4, 1849, end of Polk's . . . — — Map (db m202812) HM
On this site a convention of delegates from the several Masonic lodges in the state of Kentucky met at Masons' Hall in the town of Lexington on Monday, the 8th day of September, 1800, to establish the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Free and Accepted . . . — — Map (db m202839) HM
Grave of George Nicholas
1754-1799
Revolutionary soldier
Virginia House of Delegates
Father of Kentucky Constitution
First Kentucky Attorney General
Professor of Law at Transylvania University — — Map (db m61134) HM
Deweese (Dewees) St. Neighborhood
Segregation limited the housing options of African Americans. Redlining and discriminatory real estate policies forced black Lexingtonians to live in "shotgun" houses built close together. By the late 19th . . . — — Map (db m169747) HM
On July 8, 1999, Fayette County outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, employment, and public accommodations. This groundbreaking, county-wide ordinance was the first in Kentucky to provide these . . . — — Map (db m136945) HM
Oldest continuous LGBTQ gathering place in Kentucky, and among the oldest in the U.S. LGBTQ patrons discreetly congregated here as early as 1939. In 1963 The Gilded Cage bar opened, run by gay men John Hill and Estel Wilson. Patrons enjoyed same . . . — — Map (db m179398) HM
William Clark in Lexington. Clark, coleader of the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition, and his family spent October 30, 1809, at Lexington's Traveler's Hall, operated by Cuthbert Banks. Clark also visited expedition member George Shannon, . . . — — Map (db m179366) HM
Enslaved Peter "Old Captain" Durrett moved to Lexington with his wife and began holding services in his cabin at Maxwell Spring in 1790. This site once housed the First African Baptist Church, built by the congregation in 1856.
The Church became . . . — — Map (db m169742) HM
Built on this site in 1842. The 16-day Campbell-Rice Debate on Christian baptism, etc., was held here Nov. 1843, Hon. Henry Clay, presiding. — — Map (db m179556) HM
Mammoth Insurance Co.
Founded 1915 in Louisville, Mammoth Life and Accident Ins. Co. opened district office at 149 Deweese. It offered employment opportunities and fair rates to African American
community. At its peak, Mammoth had 750 . . . — — Map (db m169744) HM
This site was purchased by Lexington Lodge of Ancient Masons in December, 1795. The two-story brick Masons Hall completed in 1796, and destroyed by fire in 1819. Third Masons Hall was erected in 1841. The Grand Lodge removed to Louisville in 1859. . . . — — Map (db m202842) HM
Kentucky Clinic North was established by the University of Kentucky in 1996 to provide primary care in a medically underserved area of downtown Lexington The community-oriented clinic operated at a site on Third Street until this facility opened in . . . — — Map (db m169746) HM
Halley Field, Lexington's first municipal airport, was located on Meadowthorpe Farm, owned at the time by Dr. Samuel Halley. In use since 1921, it officially opened May 28, 1927 and was dedicated June 11 of that same year. World-famous aviator Col. . . . — — Map (db m136940) HM
Kentucky Educational Television
Kentucky's statewide public television network began broadcasting Sept. 23, 1968. Initially airing weekdays during school hours, KET grew to become one of the largest
public television networks in the nation, . . . — — Map (db m169911) HM
Architects Shryock
"Best known surname in Kentucky architecture is Shryock." Family home, erected by Matthias Shryock (1774-1833), here. Designed first Episcopal church in city, 1814, and Mary Todd Lincoln home on W. Main. Son, . . . — — Map (db m136935) HM
Built circa 1866, this house was occupied by John C. Breckinridge in 1874-1875. The former U.S. senator and youngest U.S. vice-president was also a Confederate general and secretary of war. After exile, he returned to Lexington in 1869 and resumed . . . — — Map (db m57476) HM
Col. Robert Patterson (1753-1827)
A large landholder, Patterson took part in founding Lexington, Cincinnati and Dayton. Chose site of Lexington, helped erect fort, April 1779, and laid off town; on Board of Trustees for many years. He . . . — — Map (db m61080) HM
One of the three original counties formed when Kentucky Co., Virginia, was divided by Va. Act in 1780. Included area north and east of Ky. River, 37 persent-day counties and parts of 7 others. Reduced to its present boundaries by 1799.
Named . . . — — Map (db m14016) HM
The Men of Fayette County who gave their lives in Service During the World War.
[First column]
Fred M. Blakeman
Don Mullis Burris
Marshall Corum
Harry W. Cunningham
Johnson Clay Eales
Clarence R. Gaugh
Sydney . . . — — Map (db m14090) HM
In 1894, a group of local women established the House of Mercy on this site to provide a home for single pregnant women. In 1921 the home became affiliated with Florence Crittenton Homes, founded by Charles Crittenton in memory of his daughter. . . . — — Map (db m169840) HM
From Enslaved to Community Activist
Education Gave the Jacksons a Step Up
Jordan C. Jackson, Jr. was born enslaved in Lexington. Denied an education, he taught himself to read and write, eventually becoming a successful businessman . . . — — Map (db m137309) HM
From Enslaved to the Presidency
Finding Freedom in Africa
This site was originally part of the Glendower Estate, where Alfred Francis Russell was born enslaved in 1817. From these humble beginnings, he rose to become president . . . — — Map (db m137310) HM
Pushing for equal rights for women
This home belonged to Dr. Mary Ellen Britton, the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in Lexington (1903). Her medical practice, which specialized in electro- and hydrotherapy, was . . . — — Map (db m218205) HM
Attorney Charles H. Stoll began development in 1907 after orphan asylum razed. Built first luxury apartment building in Lexington known as "Stoll Flats #310. Court named for Hampton Halley Lisle, Stoll's son-in-law. In 1909, Col. Milton Young, . . . — — Map (db m169846) HM
Lewis and Clark in Kentucky
George Shannon
George Shannon, youngest member of the 1803-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition, studied at Transylvania Univ. and practiced law in Lexington. His office was in Jordans Row on Upper Street. He married . . . — — Map (db m136937) HM
Lexington's Long History with Slavery
A Slave Jail Stood Here
This site was once one of the city's largest slave jails—Megowan's. For more than 20 years, Thomas Megowan held enslaved individuals in his jail until he had enough . . . — — Map (db m137305) HM
Old Morrison
An early Greek Revival design by Kentucky architect Gideon Shryock. Trustee and teacher Henry Clay guided construction supported by bequest of Col. James Morrison. Work on building slowed by cholera epidemic of 1833. Dedication . . . — — Map (db m136933) HM
The first school for black Kentuckians to be accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Secondary Schools. One of only eight public high schools in the thirteen southern states to secure this standing in 1930.
Presented by . . . — — Map (db m169839) HM
Sayre Female Institute
On Nov. 1, 1854, David A. Sayre founded a school for women at this site named Transylvania Female Institute. School renamed Sayre Female Institute in 1855; boys admitted to the primary Dept. in 1876. School renamed . . . — — Map (db m169853) HM
(obverse)
Site of the world-renowned Medical Hall of Transylvania University. Erected 1839 and dedicated November 2, 1840. Massive building of Grecian architecture with facilities not surpassed at that time by any school in America or . . . — — Map (db m57475) HM
On this site, 1810-1838, was shop of Asa Blanchard, the most noted of Kentucky's silversmiths. Blanchard silver was as prized in Kentucky as that of Paul Revere in New England. Among his customers were the most prominent families in the Bluegrass. A . . . — — Map (db m68131) HM
Slavery in Fayette Co.
On the N.E. corner of the Fayette County Courthouse lawn stood the whipping post established in 1847 to punish slaves for such offenses as being on the streets after 7 p.m. Fayette Co. was one of the largest slave-holding . . . — — Map (db m16411) HM
(side one)
The cornerstone was laid on Nov. 12,1865 and church consecrated by the Rt. Rev. G.A. Carroll, Bishop of Covington, on Oct. 18, 1868.
The remains of the first pastor, Fr. Bekkers, are interred in a vault in the narthex of the . . . — — Map (db m119120) HM
(obverse)
Thomas Hunt Morgan
Winner of 1933 Nobel Prize was born in Hunt-Morgan house, 1866; grew up here. A nephew of John Hunt Morgan, he attended State College of Ky. (Univ. of Ky.). Taught at Columbia Univ. and there, . . . — — Map (db m57474) HM
Boyhood home of prominent American historical painter and portraitist. Noble (1835-1907) was first Director of the Art Academy of Cincinnati. He studied in Louisville under Samuel W. Price, in France under Thomas Couture, and at the Munich Academy. . . . — — Map (db m136931) HM
Pioneer in higher education in Kentucky and west. Founded by The Commonwealth of Virginia, 1780. Located in Lexington since 1789 — — Map (db m59049) HM
(Front): John Cabell Breckinridge, 1821-75, one of four Kentuckians - more than any state, except New York - who were U.S. Vice Presidents. Others were Adlai E. Stevenson, Richard M. Johnson, and Alben W. Barkley. In U.S. Congress, 1851-55. . . . — — Map (db m130963) HM
Old Episcopal Burying Ground
Purchased in 1832 by Christ Church trustees to serve its members, it is among the oldest graveyards in Lexington. Some 600 people were buried here between 1833-1879, including over 50 Christ Church members who . . . — — Map (db m169748) HM
General Levi Todd and the Reverend
James Crawford were instrumental
in the founding of Walnut Hill
Presbyterian Church. Crawford
organized church in 1785 on land
given by Todd, one of founders of
Lexington. First place of worship
was a log . . . — — Map (db m169731) HM
This antebellum Greek Revival Home was part of Bowman estate. Col. Abraham Bowman commanded 8th Va. Regt. in Revolution. Behind house was Todd's Station, built 1779 by Levi Todd, grandfather of Mary Todd Lincoln and Emilie Todd Helm. Mrs. Helm, wife . . . — — Map (db m14009) HM
The land upon which Pleasant Green Baptist Church stands was conveyed in 1822 by Dr. Frederick Ridgely, a white surgeon in Lexington, to trustees Harry Quills, Benjamin Admon, and Solomon Walker, all slaves, for purpose of erecting an African . . . — — Map (db m68132) HM
Extensive earthworks with ditch, drawbridges and magazine were constructed here by Federal forces after the Battle of "Ashland" May, 1862. — — Map (db m130222) HM
In this valley is a deep spring
known as the Blue Hole. It was
discovered in 1775 by William
McConnell who built a cabin and
later traded the 400-acre claim
to Simon Kenton, who was known
as Simon Butler at that time.
Joseph Frazer then . . . — — Map (db m170022) HM
Built in 1806 as an inn. Became home of politician & businessman Robert S. Todd in 1832. Mary Todd, his daughter, born in Lexington on Dec. 13, 1818, moved to IL in 1839. There, she met & married Abraham Lincoln. They visited here in fall of 1847. . . . — — Map (db m61002) HM
Lexington's first burial ground was on this site, part of “first hill” on route from fort toward Georgetown. In 1781, this square was set aside by town trustees for house of worship and graveyard. The cemetery was used until end of . . . — — Map (db m58558) HM
Under Vine Street flows the Town Branch of Elkhorn, the stream upon whose banks Lexington was established in 1779. Used in the early days to bring merchandise to Lexington from Ohio River. On Town Branch was launched Edward West's steamboat in 1793. . . . — — Map (db m58557) HM
Born in Lexington, son of Henry A. Tandy, respected African American contractor. Attended the Chandler School, Tuskegee Institute, Cornell Univ. 1st registered black architect in New York State, where he built landmark homes & buildings. A founder . . . — — Map (db m61032) HM
Major Madison C. Johnson, a
lawyer and friend of Henry Clay,
commissioned Lexington architect
John McMurtry to construct Botherum
in 1851. The house is a combination
of Greek and Gothic Revival styles,
resulting in a unique cottage. It . . . — — Map (db m169867) HM
Side A
Recognized by many as “one of the most active communities in Southwestern Ohio, the Bloomingburg area was a significant link in the Underground Railroad. As many as twelve to sixteen escaped slaves were said to have been passed . . . — — Map (db m121781) HM
The Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church and cemetery was established in the northwest corner of the current cemetery grounds on March 7, 1818. Several years later it became a center for anti-slavery activity. The Reverend William Dickey, who presided . . . — — Map (db m27821) HM
This flag pole dedicated
November 11, 1940 by Mayor
William Wrobbel honoring
his father John Wrobbel
recipient of the
Distinguished Service Cross &
veteran of the Spanish-
American War & World War I — — Map (db m121969) WM
The sacrifice of the few
insured the freedom of many
A grateful community
remembers those who served
in the Armed Forces of
the United States during
time of war and peace, whose
courage and personal sacrifices
defended and . . . — — Map (db m121968) WM
The Good Hope Cemetery is the final resting place for veterans of many of America's wars, including David Jones. Jones earned the Medal of Honor as a member of Company I of the 54th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment in the Union Army. During Gen. . . . — — Map (db m106292) HM
Chief Landscape Architect, Ohio Dept. of Highways 1949-1972, Division Landscape Architect 1935-1949. Developer of Ohio Rest Areas, speaker, author, coordinator of Ohio Short Course on Roadside Development for 31 years, chairman of Roadside . . . — — Map (db m133016) HM
Honoring those who served during the Rebellion of 1861-1865
It is believed that this statue was placed in this cemetery between 1905 and 1913. Following a partial restoration in 1995 by Irene Grim Looker, National President of the Ladies of . . . — — Map (db m27941) HM WM
Fayette County Court House Opened on May 1, 1885, this is the third Fayette County Court House building. Ohio artist Archibald Willard, who is best known for the patriotic painting, "The Spirit of '76," was commissioned by the firm Cooks . . . — — Map (db m106289) HM
In Loving Memory
World War II
James R. Agnew Presley W. Ault James D. Barton Raymond P. Bauer Dwight E. Beatty Robert E. Binegar James W. Brandt Curtis L. Brown Victor A. Brown Robert J. Burnett Isaac L. Butcher Ralph . . . — — Map (db m27975) WM
Erected to
those from Fayette County
who served their country
in the World War
Dedicated Nov. 11, 1927
1917 Fayettes Sons —
They Gave Their All 1918
George W. Allen Ralph Barlett Jennings Bland Harry H. Brown . . . — — Map (db m27938) WM
Granville T. Woods was a pivotal African American inventor during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Woods invention of a telegraph device enabled railway companies to know the location of each of their trains. This new technology greatly . . . — — Map (db m155940) HM
One of Ohio's most influential politicians in the early 20th century, Washington Court House native Harry Daugherty (1860-1941) was widely known as a "President-maker" and served instrumental roles in President Warren G. Harding's administration, . . . — — Map (db m27820) HM
Originally constructed in 1883 by the
Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton,
Ohio, this 103 foot single span Pratt
Truss was listed on the National Register
of Historic Places in 1990. The structure
was rehabilitated, painted, and placed . . . — — Map (db m121783) HM
Washington Court House was founded in 1810 by American Revolutionary War veterans from the state of Virginia. They also established Washington Cemetery in 1810 and located it in what was originally the southern part of the town. With the coming of . . . — — Map (db m27828) HM
In 1884 the Ohio General Assembly authorized “the burial of the body of any honorably discharged ex-union soldier, sailor or marine of this state who shall hereafter die without leaving means sufficient to defray funeral expenses.” . . . — — Map (db m158055) HM
Irish railroad workers founded the Catholic community in Washington Court House in the 1850s, with the first Mass being held in a local shanty in 1852. In 1871, Father John B. O'Donoghue purchased three and 5/8 acres of land adjoining Washington . . . — — Map (db m27834) HM
The Judy Memorial Chapel
built 1905
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m27964) HM
This monument is dedicated to the men and women who have served in the armed forces. We honor their duty and sacrifice in America and abroad. Our veterans, POWs and MIAs fought for our country; and we will never forget their struggle for our . . . — — Map (db m189631) WM
Erected by the people of this community in commemoration of all those who served their country during our first two centuries..... — — Map (db m60841) HM
Dedicated Dec. 6, 1999
[Flagpole] Presented by
Fayette County Chapter 89
Disabled American Veterans
to honor all veterans
1992
City of Washington
Towne Centre Park
1992 — — Map (db m27967) HM