American History Tours – Historic Homes of Lexington, KY

These days Lexington, Kentucky is known for horse racing, museums and more horse racing. However, amidst the beautiful parks, prestigious institutions and general suburban sprawl is a beating heart of rich American history.

It’s certainly had the time. The town was established in 1782, a good ten years before the establishment of Kentucky, and it’s named for the Massachusetts town that hosted one of the first battles of the American Revolution. Talk about aligning yourself with American history.

It’s not fame by association only. Abraham Lincoln lived in Lexington for a time, as did his future wife Mary Todd. Confederate President Jefferson Davis attended Transylvania University*, and former Vice President John C. Breckenridge and famed U.S. Senator Henry Clay also called Lexington home. Simply put, American history buffs owe it to themselves to experience Lexington. Here are the highlights:

Hunt-Morgan House (Hopemont)
201 N Mill St.
Lexington, KY  40507

Although built by affluent Kentucky millionaire John Wesley Hunt in 1814, the most famous residents of Hopemont were a few steps down the family line. Hunt’s grandson, John Hunt Morgan, was a celebrated Confederate General, and his great-grandson, Thomas Hunt Morgan, is the only Kentuckian to win the Nobel Prize (in genetics, in case you asked).

The beautiful building features several architectural flourishes of the antebellum style and today hosts a museum on the second floor. Tours offered Wednesday through Sunday. Learn more.

Mary Todd Lincoln House
578 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507

Successful Lexington business man Robert S. Todd purchased this former inn in 1832, however it’s his daughter Mary Todd that inspired modern interest in the property. Known best as the wife of President Abraham Lincoln and 16^th First Lady of the United States, Mary Todd Lincoln lived in Lexington for 7 years, ages 14-21. The house was restored and opened to the public in 1977.

Tours of the Mary Todd Lincoln House are offered Monday through Saturday from February to November. Learn more.

Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
120 Sycamore Road
Lexington, Kentucky 40502

Ashland is a historic estate and plantation revered by some equally to Virginia’s Mount Vernon. Celebrated Kentucky statesman, Representative and Senator Henry Clay named the land and built the still-stunning mansion from 1806-1811, and he lived in that house until his death in 1852, more than half of his life. Formerly operated by slaves and occupied by several generations of the Clay family, the Henry Clay Estate is an unrivaled glimpse into the history of Lexington and the antebellum American South.

An absolute must for your historic homes tour of Lexington. Tours of Ashland are offered Tuesday through Sunday. Learn more.

For Lexington, KY hotels, we like the Hilton Garden Inn Lexington. Clean amenities, fresh rooms and well-located, we always enjoy ourselves here.

Have fun!

*Every time I read “Transylvania”, I think “Castlevania”. Too many videogames.

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