Lexington in Kentucky is a city with an interesting history. It was founded in 1775 and names in honor of the Battle of Lexington in Massachusetts, an important event for the Americans in the American Revolution. The city became a hub for frontier expansion and development, and education and intellectual pursuits flourished at a level earning Lexington the nickname Athens of the West. It was a mecca for intellectuals, progressive thinkers, and lawmakers. Furthermore, Lexington’s strategic location and rich soil made it an ideal spot for agriculture, and particularly horse breeding.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Lexington continued to grow and evolve. The city played a crucial role during the Civil War, serving as a key supply center for the Union Army. Post-war, Lexington experienced a period of rapid growth and modernization, further solidifying its status as a cultural and economic center in the region. Today, Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World, home to numerous horse farms and prestigious racing events.

Downtown Lexington is the busy heart of the city, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. The main street, aptly named Main Street, is lined with a mix of historic and contemporary buildings, shops, restaurants, and various sights. You can also walk Broadway, Market Street and Mill Street, both with some sights. You can start a walk with fountains and tree-lined promenades in Triangle Park. To the east side, you can see The Square, a block of late 19th century and early 20th century commercial buildings.

Head a few blocks north to the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the girlhood home of Abraham Lincoln’s wife. She was born in Lexington in 1818, and the family bought the house in 1832. Today, tours are offerede seasonally, and you will see period furnishings and personal artifacts. Next door to the Lincoln House is the Main Street Baptist Church, which was established in 1862. Close by, you can see the 1868 St. Paul Roman Catholic Church with its graceful spire. It stands next door to the Lexington Opera House, opened in 1887.

Along Broadway you will find LexHistory, the Lexington History Museum with stories of Lexington’s rich heritage, and the Transylvania University. It was established in 1780 as the first college west of the Allegheny Mountains. Famous alumni include Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, and Texas settler Stephen Austin. At the university grounds, you can see the Patterson Cabin, which was built around 1783 by Robert Patterson, one of Lexington’s founders. It was moved to the present place in 1939.

In front of the university is Gratz Park, which was originally the campus lawn of Transylvania University. To the south you can see the Bodley-Bullock House. It was the headquarters for Union troops during the Civil War, while troops camped in Gratz Park. In the park is the Old Lexington Public Library, completed in 1905 and partly funded by Andrew Carnegie. The building now houses the Carnegie Center for Literacy.

Back on Main Street, you will find the Richardsonian Romanesque stone courthouse built in 1899 at Courthouse Square. It is a landmark in Lexington and houses Lexington Visitors Center and other offices. Next door to the courthouse is the First National Bank building from 1914. The 15–story tower was Lexington’s first skyscraper, and it remained the tallest in town for nearly 60 years and is now home to the 21c Museum and Hotel.

There are sights out of the downtown area as well. A notable site is Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, which showcases the life and legacy of the famous statesman. Ashland provides a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture and landscaping. The Kentucky Horse Park is also a must-visit destination. It is a vast area north of Lexington which celebrates the city’s equestrian heritage with museums, horse shows, and interactive exhibits. The International Museum of the Horse tells the story about horses of all breeds, sizes, shapes, colors, and uses.