KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

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"Morgan's Men" Here
(Marker Number: 625)

County: Clark
Location: Winchester, Courthouse lawn, US 60 & KY 627

Description: CSA Gen. John H. Morgan's cavalry first raided Kentucky July, 1862. Took Cynthiana but, faced by large USA forces, withdrew. Destroyed arms here on 19th and went to Richmond. On last raid, June 1864, after two battles at Mt. Sterling, they moved by here to Lexington and to Cynthiana where they met defeat on 12th and retreated to Virginia. See map on other side.

(Subjects: Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

A Founder of D.A.R.
(Marker Number: 807)

County: Fayette
Location: Maxwell & Mill Sts., Lexington

Description: Mary Desha, one of four founders of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1890, taught public school here, 1875-1885. Designer of society's seal. Taught in Alaska schools, returned to Washington, successfully advocated reforms. Granddaughter of Joseph Desha, Kentucky's tenth governor. Born, Lexington, 1850. Died, Washington, 1911. Buried, Lexington Cemetery.

(Subjects: Lexington)

Battle-June 8, 1864
(Marker Number: 628)

County: Montgomery
Location: Mt. Sterling, US 460

Description: Early this day CSA forces under Gen. John H. Morgan on his tragic last raid attacked Union camp here under Capt. Edward Barlow. CSA took 380 prisoners and material. $59,000 taken from Farmers' Bank. Leaving a force here under Col. H. L. Giltner, Morgan moved west with 2nd Brigade. Next morning CSA driven out. Joined by Morgan, took Lexington next day. See map.

(Subjects: Civil War | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Battle-June 9, 1864
(Marker Number: 629)

County: Montgomery
Location: Mt. Sterling, W. on US 60

Description: CSA took Mt. Sterling on previous day. Early on 9th US forces under General S. G. Burbridge attacked CSA under Col. R. M. Martin camped on Camargo Pike. Col. H. L. Giltner brought CSA force from Levee Road, but both driven through city. CSA counterattacked, but was repulsed. Heavy loss on both sides. Morgan joined them and took Lexington next day. See map other side.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Blockhouse and Fort
(Marker Number: 1554)

County: Fayette
Location: Main & Mill Sts., US 25, 421, Lexington

Description: First Lexington blockhouse and stockade built, April 1779, near SW corner of Main and Mill streets, close to "the public spring." After many Indian uprisings in Kentucky, Colonel John Todd in 1781 led in building new artillery-proof fort: 94 ft. sq., walls of rammed earth seven ft. thick, enclosed in timber and surrounded by a wide ditch. Presented by Lexington-Fayette Co. Historic Commission.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations | Indians | Lexington)

Cheapside
(Marker Number: 1553)

County: Fayette
Location: Main at Cheapside, US 421, Lexington

Description: A log schoolhouse on east side of public square was one of first buildings outside fort walls, 1782. Here, the first teacher, John McKinney, was attacked by a wildcat. A stone market house was built in 1795, and the surrounding square became a popular trading center. Court day was held each month until 1921. See over. Presented by Lexington-Fayette Co. Historic Commission.

(Reverse) Lexington Courthouses - East of Cheapside is the public square, where courthouses of Lexington have stood since 1788. The present edifice is fifth courthouse, the fourth on this site. It was built during 1898-1900, after fire destroyed fourth courthouse and the famous statue "Woman Triumphant" by Kentucky sculptor Joel Tanner Hart. Over. Presented by Lexington-Fayette Co. Historic Commission.

(Subjects: Lexington | National Register of Historic Places | Sculptors)

Cheapside Slave Auction Block
(Marker Number: 2122)

County: Fayette
Location: Northeast corner of Courthouse lawn & Short St., Lexington

Description: African Americans were sold as slaves at Cheapside Auction Block on the public square in the 19th century. Lexington was the center of slave trading in Ky. by the late 1840s and served as a market for selling slaves farther south. Thousands of slaves were sold at Cheapside, including children who were separated from their parents.

(Reverse) Slavery in Fayette Co. - On the N.E. corner of the Fayette 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 slaveholding counties in Kentucky. By 1860, one in four residents of the city of Lexington were slaves. Presented by the Lexington Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

(Subjects: African American | Lexington | Slavery)

Colored Orphan Industrial Home
(Marker Number: 1963)

County: Fayette
Location: 644 Georgetown St., Lexington

Description: Led by Mrs. E. Belle Mitchell Jackson, orphan home opened here 1894. Orphans and other black youth learned to read and write and acquired a trade; also refuge for elderly women. By 1909 home consisted of 18 acres and 2 brick houses. Burned in 1912. A new building dedicated 1913; serves as Robert H. Williams Cultural Center.

(Subjects: African American | Lexington)

County Named, 1842
(Marker Number: 809)

County: Letcher
Location: Near Whitesburg, US 119

Description: For Robert P. Letcher, during term as Governor of Kentucky, 1840-1844. Born Va., 1788; came Ky. in 1800. Ky. Mounted Militia, War of 1812. Legislature, 7 years, Speaker of House, two years. U.S. Congress, 1823-1835. Presidential elector in 1836. During term as governor he proclaimed first Thanksgiving. Minister to Mexico, 1849-1852. Died 1861; buried Frankfort Cemetery.

(Subjects: Lexington | War of 1812)

Covington & Lexington Turnpike
(Marker Number: 2224)

County: Kenton
Location: Triangle at Washington, Pike & 7th Sts., Covington

Description: Predecessor of this turnpike was an old buffalo trail, following the Dry Ridge, a natural divide between watersheds of Licking & Kentucky rivers. Trail later used by pioneers, & then as a military road from Cincinnati’s Fort Washington. In 1819, Ky. General Assembly chartered a turnpike along part of the route. Over.

In 1834, Ky. chartered Covington & Lexington Turnpike Road Co. to build artificial road. Macadamized turnpike finished in early 1850s. Was important in moving farm goods from the Bluegrass, notably hogs and cattle, to Covington and Cincinnati, then major meatpacking centers. Road entered Covington on Pike St. Over.

(Subjects: Kentucky River | Lexington | Roads)

Death of a Morgan
(Marker Number: 543)

County: Marion
Location: Lebanon, US 68

Description: Lt. Thomas Morgan, 19, one of four brothers then in Morgan's Raiders under another brother, Gen. John Hunt Morgan, was killed near here July 5, 1863 as he led an attack on Union forces in the depot at Lebanon. He died in his brother Calvin's arms as the Union troops surrendered. He was reinterred in the Lexington Cemetery in 1868 where this Morgan family rests.

(Subjects: Civil War | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt)

Ellerslie
(Marker Number: 1001)

County: Fayette
Location: 2440 Richmond Rd., Lexington

Description: The home which stood on this site from 1787 to 1947 was built by Levi Todd (1756-1807), who named it for his ancestral village in Scotland. He was one of a party of hunters who named Lexington in 1775; first Fayette County clerk; aide to George Rogers Clark, 1779, Kaskaskia Expedition; Maj., Battle Blue Licks; trustee, Transylvania; grandfather of Mary Todd Lincoln.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Indians | Lexington | Lincoln, Mary Todd | Transylvania University)

First Inauguration
(Marker Number: 1551)

County: Fayette
Location: Main St. between Mill and Broadway, Lexington

Description: Isaac Shelby was inaugurated as lst governor of Kentucky, June 4, 1792, at building on West Main Street; built as a market house, 1791-92. After Kentucky's admission to Union, the structure was also used as a State House during the legislative sessions of 1792. The Lexington Library was organized in same building in January, 1795. Presented by Lexington-Fayette Co. Historic Commission.

(Subjects: Governors | Lexington | Library | Shelby, Isaac)

First Presbyterian Church
(Marker Number: 2277)

County: Fayette
Location: 174 N. Mill Street, Lexington

Description: Founded 1784. Oldest congregation in continuous existence in city. Founders were hunting party members who selected city’s site and named it Lexington in honor of first battle of the American Revolution. First pastor Adam Rankin’s home, oldest house in Lexington at 317 South Mill St., built in 1784.

(Reverse) Abraham Lincoln attended several services during the pastorate of Robert J. Breckinridge, 1847-53, initiating a lifelong friendship. This building, sixth home of the congregation, designed by Elder Cincinnatus Shryock, completed in 1872. It was considered his Gothic masterpiece. Renovated in 2007; received preservation award.

(Subjects: Lexington | Lincoln, Abraham | Presbyterian Church | Revolutionary War)

Frankfort Chosen as Capital
(Marker Number: 1774)

County: Franklin
Location: Near New Capitol, Capitol Ave.& Todd St., Frankfort

Description: After Kentucky became a state, five commissioners were appointed on June 20, 1792, to choose a location for the state capital. They were John Allen and John Edwards (both from Bourbon Co.), Henry Lee (Mason Co.), Thomas Kennedy (Madison Co.), and Robert Todd (Fayette Co.). A number of communities competed for this honor, but Frankfort won by perseverance and, according to early histories, the offer of Andrew Holmes' log house as capitol for seven years, a number of town lots, £50 worth of locks and hinges, 10 boxes of glass, 1500 pounds of nails, and $3000 in gold.

(Reverse) Frankfort Chosen as Capital - Other contenders for the honor of being selected as the permanent seat of Kentucky state government had offered, as was customary, lists of contributions. These hopeful towns were Legerwood's Bend (Mercer County), Delany's Ferry and Petersburg (Woodford County), Louisville, Lexington, Leestown, and Frankfort. After thorough examination of all sites, the commissioners, following a majority vote, met with the legislature in Lexington on December 5, 1792, and gave their recommendation-that Frankfort was the most suitable site for the state capital. See over.

(Subjects: Capitals | Ferry | Frankfort | Kentucky River | Lexington | Louisville)

Georgetown Raided
(Marker Number: 701)

County: Scott
Location: Georgetown, Courthouse lawn, KY 227

Description: CSA Gen. John H. Morgan, on Kentucky raid here, July 15, 1862, camped two days. Destroyed rail bridges, USA stores, dispersed Home Guards. On 17th defeated USA at Cynthiana. Started back to Tenn. On last raid, Morgan was here, July 10, 1864, after taking Lexington. On 12th CSA met defeat at Cynthiana and retreated to Virginia. See map on other side.

(Subjects: Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Georgetown College | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt)

James Lane Allen
(Marker Number: 1875)

County: Fayette
Location: Gratz Park, Lexington

Description: This Transylvania honor graduate, who later taught there, won an international audience with his nostalgic stories and novels of Bluegrass region. Allen was born near Lexington. By 1893, after his work became popular, he moved to New York City. He died there, and was buried in Lexington Cem. His will provided funds for fountain nearby, for children of the city.

(Subjects: Authors | Cemeteries | Lexington | Transylvania University)

Jerome Bonaparte Robertson, 1815-1891
(Marker Number: 659)

County: Woodford
Location: US 60, Versailles

Description: Confederate brigadier general. Born in Woodford County. Transylvania University, medicine, 1835. Moved to Texas, 1836. Practiced medicine, Indian fighter, member legislature and Texas secession convention. Wounded at Second Manassas and Gettysburg. Fought at Chickamauga, Knoxville, and in Texas. Father of CSA Brig. Gen. Felix H. Robertson.

(Reverse) Randall Lee Gibson, 1832-1892 - Confederate brigadier general. Born in Woodford, home of his grandfather. Parents lived Louisiana. Graduate Yale Univ., 1853. Distinguished for leadership at Shiloh, in 1862 Kentucky campaign, Chickamauga, Atlanta, and Hood's later invasion of Tennessee. U.S. House 1875-83, and Senate 1883-92, from Louisiana. Buried Lexington, Ky., Cemetery.

(Subjects: Civil War | Confederate Army | Lexington | Transylvania University)

John F. Day (1913-1982)
(Marker Number: 1736)

County: Fleming
Location: Courthouse lawn, Flemingsburg

Description: A native of Fleming County, this prize-winning journalist began his career with the Lexington Leader; later worked with Washington Bureau of Louisville Courier-Journal. Director and Vice President of CBS News, 1955-61, where he won two Emmy awards. Wrote Bloody Ground, 1941, on Eastern Kentucky. John Day spent his last years in England publishing a weekly newspaper.

(Subjects: Books | Courier-Journal (Louisville) | Lexington | Louisville | Newspapers)

John Hunt Morgan (1825-1864)
(Marker Number: 1809)

County: Fayette
Location: Fayette Co. Courthouse, Lexington

Description: Known as the "Thunderbolt of the Confederacy," Morgan was born in Huntsville, Alabama; in 1831 moved to Lexington. After attending Transylvania, he fought in the Mexican War. In Lexington, he prospered as owner of hemp factory and woolen mill. Morgan organized Lexington Rifles Infantry, 1857; later led them to aid Confederacy. See over.

(Reverse) John Hunt Morgan (1825-1864) - Leading cavalry raids behind the enemy lines, General J. H. Morgan disrupted Union supplies and communications. For southerners, he was the ideal romantic hero. Captured in Indiana-Ohio raid, he escaped and was killed in Greeneville, Tennessee, September 4, 1864. Buried in Lexington Cemetery. Morgan became a courageous symbol of the Lost Cause.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Hemp | Lexington | Mexican War | Morgan, John Hunt | Transylvania University)

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky- William Clark in Lexington & Meriwether Lewis in Lexington
(Marker Number: 2219)

County: Fayette
Location: Phoenix Park, Main St., Lexington

Description: 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 W. Shannon, who was attending Transylvania University. Over.

(Reverse) On Jan. 20, 1808, Lewis, coleader of the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition, attended a dinner in his honor at Wilson's Inn, where locals gave 22 toasts. Lewis was passing through Ky. after he was named gov. of La. Territory. Over.

(Subjects: Inns | Lewis and Clark Expedition | Lexington | Transylvania University)

Lexington
(Marker Number: 136)

County: Fayette
Location: In front of Cardinal Hill Hospital, Versailles Rd., Lexington

Description: (Duplicate markers in front of Zandale Shopping Center, Nicholasville Rd., US 27, and approximately 11/2 mi. NE of New Circle Rd. & Paris Pike, US 27, Fayette Co.) Named in honor of first Battle of the American Revolution. William McConnell was among the party of hunters who came to site from Harrodsburg in 1775. Built cabin to obtain land title but driven off by Indians. Lexington later settled by Robert Patterson and companions, 1779. Major frontier town. Home of Henry Clay, Mary Todd Lincoln and John C. Breckinridge.

(Subjects: Breckinridge, John Cabell | Clay, Henry | Harrodsburg | Indians | Lexington | Lincoln, Mary Todd | McConnell, William | Revolutionary War)

Lexington Cemetery
(Marker Number: 1550)

County: Fayette
Location: US 421, West Main St., Lexington

Description: Incorporated in 1849, Lexington Cemetery was laid out as a natural landscape park. Both Confederate and Union soldiers are buried in this cemetery. Towering over Henry Clay's grave is a 120-foot monument surmounted by his statue. Other noted men, including James Lane Allen, John C. Breckinridge, and John Hunt Morgan, interred here. Presented by Lexington-Fayette Co. Historic Commission.

(Subjects: Breckinridge, John Cabell | Cemeteries | Civil War | Clay, Henry | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt)

Lexington Colored Fair Association
(Marker Number: 1961)

County: Fayette
Location: 644 Georgetown St., Lexington

Description: Started in 1869 by the Lexington Colored Agricultural and Mechanical Assoc., the annual fair promoted racial achievement and offered entertainment which attracted thousands from Ky. and beyond. When located on Georgetown Pike, the site had an exhibition hall, amphitheatre, and racetrack.

(Reverse) Successful Enterprise - Though similar fairs were held statewide, Lexington's Colored Fair was most successful, lasting well into the 1930s. Fairs were as popular as Emancipation Day among the state's black citizens. Cash prizes were awarded winners in categories from livestock and racing to music and floral display. The fairs showed African American accomplishments since emancipation.

(Subjects: African American | Lexington)

Lexington Named
(Marker Number: 554)

County: Fayette
Location: Entrance to McConnell Springs Dr. & Old Frankfort Pk., Lexington

Description: In early June of 1775, a party of frontiersmen, led by William McConnell, camped near here on a branch of Elkhorn Creek. Upon hearing of the colonists' victory at Lexington, Mass., on April 19, 1775, they named their campsite Lexington to commemorate the first battle of the American Revolution. Impressed with the area, they hoped to see a town here some day.

(Reverse)Lexington Settled - Due to danger of Indian attacks, permanent settlement was delayed for four years. In 1779 Colonel Robert Patterson and 25 companions came from Fort Harrod and erected a blockhouse at present Main and Mill streets. Cabins and stockade were soon built, making fort a place of importance. The town of Lexington was established on May 6, 1782, by act of Va. Gen. Assembly.

(Subjects: Civil War | Forts and Stations | Lexington | McConnell, William | Revolutionary War)

Lexington Public Library/ Carnegie Library
(Marker Number: 2199)

County: Fayette
Location: 251 West Second St., Lexington

Description: First library west of the Alleghenies was est. in Lex. in 1795 as a subscription library. The Women's Club of Central Ky. worked for a free public library, and, in 1902, Andrew Carnegie gave $60,000 to build Lex. Public Library, which served community from 1905 to 1989. Books then given to new public library.

(Reverse) Library trustee C.J. Bronston obtained $60,000 from Andrew Carnegie to build neoclassical Greek Revival structure designed by architect Herman Rowe. Transylvania Univ. allowed use of site in Gratz Park. Mary K. Bullitt was first librarian. In 1989 the Lex. Public Library move to Main St.

(Subjects: Architects | Lexington | Library)

Madeline M. Breckinridge
(Marker Number: 1876)

County: Fayette
Location: "Ashland," the estate of Henry Clay, Lexington

Description: This descendant of Henry Clay and Ephraim McDowell was born 1872 in Franklin Co.; grew up at "Ashland," Clay's home; and married Desha Breckinridge, editor of Lexington Herald. Ill with tuberculosis, she promoted its treatment and cure; advanced educational opportunities for poor children in Lexington and entire state; and helped gain voting rights for women. Over.

(Reverse) Kentucky Suffrage Leader - Madeline McDowell Breckinridge saw woman suffrage as a way to advance social reform. Served as pres. of Ky. Equal Rights Assoc. 1912-15 and 1919-20; vice pres. of National American Woman Suffrage Assoc., 1913-15. Ratification of 19th amendment by Ky. legislature, 1920, largely credited to her efforts. She died same year, after amendment passed. Buried in Lexington Cem.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Clay, Henry | Journalists | Lexington | McDowell, Ephraim | Newspapers)

Main Street Christian Church
(Marker Number: 19)

County: Fayette
Location: 162 E. Main St., Lexington

Description: Built on this site in 1842. The 12-day Campbell-Rice debate on Christian Baptism, etc., was held here Nov. 1843, Hon. Henry Clay presiding.

(Subjects: Campbell, Alexander | Christian Church | Clay, Henry | Lexington)

Merritt Jones/Wayside Tavern
(Marker Number: 1905)

County: Madison
Location: 16 mi. S. of Richmond; 61/2 mi. SE of Berea, US 421

Description: Down this lane was a log tavern and overnight stop on the Old State Road from Cumberland Gap to Lexington by 1830s. The older half of building dates back to ca. 1800. During Civil War, Jones Tavern was held alternately by Confederate and Union forces. In Jan. 1864, Gen. U.S. Grant and staff stayed overnight on their way from east Tennessee to Lexington. Over.

(Reverse) Jones Tavern/CSA Cemetery - During the Battle of Richmond, Aug. 29-30, 1862, this building was a Confederate field hospital for men wounded while fighting farther north near Mt. Zion Church. Thirteen who died here, including a boy soldier only fifteen years old, are buried in a small cemetery in the woods above the house. See over.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Civil War | Cumberland Gap | Grant, Ulysses S. | Lexington | Richmond, Battle of | Taverns)

Morgan Raiders' Camp
(Marker Number: 567)

County: Rowan
Location: 1 mi. E. of Licking River, Farmers, US 60

Description: On last tragic raid, the fourth into Kentucky, Morgan's Raiders took Mt. Sterling, then lost it, took Lexington and June 11, 1864 took Cynthiana. Next day USA men under Brig. General S. G. Burbridge dispersed raiders. Morgan then retreated through Flemingsburg and camped here June 12. He and his men returned to Virginia, but never recovered from this reverse.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Morgan's Raiders | Mt. Sterling)

Morgan's Last Raid
(Marker Number: 621)

County: Fleming
Location: KY 11, W. of Flemingsburg

Description: On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on l0th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Morgan's Last Raid
(Marker Number: 622)

County: Pike
Location: 4 mi. S. of US 460, US 119

Description: On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on l0th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Morgan's Last Raid
(Marker Number: 623)

County: Floyd
Location: Prestonsburg, W. of Bridge, KY 114

Description: On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on 10th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Morgan's Last Raid
(Marker Number: 624)

County: Knott
Location: Hindman, KY 80

Description: On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864. Moved through here. Took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, then took Lexington on l0th, and Cynthiana on the 11th. Next day USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA. Morgan retreated, reaching Virginia June 20. See map other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Morgan's Last Raid
(Marker Number: 691)

County: Mason
Location: Mays Lick, US 68

Description: On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on l0th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Morgan's Last Raid
(Marker Number: 695)

County: Mason
Location: Sardis, US 62

Description: On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on l0th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Morgan's Last Raid
(Marker Number: 700)

County: Johnson
Location: Paintsville, South, US 23, 460

Description: On tragic last Kentucky raid, CSA Gen. John H. Morgan and Raiders entered state June 1, 1864, took Mt. Sterling June 8, lost it on 9th, took Lexington on 10th, and Cynthiana on 11th. USA under General S. G. Burbridge defeated CSA next day. Morgan retreated through here, reaching Virginia June 20. See map on other side. Raiders never recovered from this reverse.

(Subjects: Burbridge, Stephen G. | Civil War | Cynthiana, Battle of | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt | Mt. Sterling)

Oldest House in Lexington
(Marker Number: 1437)

County: Fayette
Location: 317 S. Mill St., Lexington

Description: 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 Historic Preservation moved this house from its original location, at 215 West High Street, to prevent its destruction.

(Subjects: Lexington | Presbyterian Church)

Patterson Cabin
(Marker Number: 1613)

County: Fayette
Location: Near corner of 3rd & Broadway, Transylvania Univ. campus, Lexington

Description: Built by Robert Patterson prior to his marriage in April 1780 to Elizabeth Lindsay, this small cabin has been a home, servant's quarters and tool shed. It has had many sites, including original on Cane Run; farm of Patterson's grandson, Dayton, Ohio, 1901-1939; and several on Transylvania campus. Returned to Lexington by request of Kentucky, this city and D.A.R.

(Reverse) 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 helped charter Transylvania Univ. Urged separation from Va., 1784; elected representative from Fayette County, 1792, and served eight years. Moved to Dayton, 1803.

(Subjects: Lexington | Transylvania University)

Pioneer Burying Ground
(Marker Number: 1552)

County: Fayette
Location: W. Main & Felix Sts., Lexington

Description: 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 cholera epidemic in 1833. Since 1788, there have been four Baptist churches here. Presented by Lexington-Fayette Co. Historic Commission.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Cemeteries | Cholera | Lexington)

Polk's Infirmary / Mammoth Insurance Co.
(Marker Number: 2153)

County: Fayette
Location: 149 Deweese Street, Lexington

Description: Dr. John Polk, an African American physician in Lexington, practiced medicine at 166 Deweese St. before moving to 148 Deweese by 1921. Succeeding him in this building was Dr. J. R. Dalton. The infirmary served African Americans in area. In 1999, this former health center became the home of Lexington-Fayette County Urban League.

(Reverse) 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 employees and sold policies in eight states. In 1992 Mammoth merged with Atlanta Life and the Kentucky offices closed.

(Subjects: African American | Lexington | Physicians)

Roy Stuart Cluke
(Marker Number: 679)

County: Clark
Location: 6 mi. W. of Winchester on KY 1927

Description: Site of home and farm from which Cluke enlisted in the Confederate army. Commissioned Colonel of 8th Regt. Ky. Cavalry CSA, Sept. 1862. Immediate action in Ky. won the confidence of Gen. John H. Morgan; was with Morgan in Dec. 1862 and July 1863 raids when captured in Ohio. He died December 31, 1863, in U.S. prison, age 39. Buried near Morgan in Lexington Cemetery.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Civil War | Lexington | Morgan, John Hunt)

Town Branch
(Marker Number: 1556)

County: Fayette
Location: Vine St., Lexington

Description: 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. Heavy floods troubled Lexington until a large underground channel was built in 1930s. Presented by Lexington-Fayette Co. Historic Commission.

(Subjects: Creeks | Inventors | Lexington | Steamboats)

West Side School
(Marker Number: 2050)

County: Mercer
Location: Harrodsburg, 200 Magnolia St.

Description: This African American school was erected on this property in 1930, thanks to a donation from the Julius Rosenwald Fund. West Side was the only elementary and high school for African American children in Mercer County. It united the faculty, students, administration, and community in a common goal - education.

(Reverse) West Side School - Three principals served the school: Mrs. Maynette Elliott Sneed (1930-38), Miss Clara B. Clelland (1938-59), and Mr. Robert Jackson, Jr. (1959-61). In 1939, West Side beat Lexington Dunbar, 16-12, to win K.H.S.A.L. State Basketball Championship. Closed 1961 when local schools desegregated. Presented by West Side School Reunion Com. and Ky. African American Heritage Commission.

(Subjects: African American | Lexington | Schools)

What's in a Name?
(Marker Number: 2289)

County: Fayette
Location: UK campus, White Hall Plaza, Lexington

Description: The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky (A&M) was established in 1865 as part of the private Kentucky University. In 1878, A&M separated from Kentucky University (now Transylvania University) to become an independent public institution. Lexington donated a 52-acre park south of downtown for a new campus, which is the present site of UK.

(Reverse) By 1880, the A&M College was commonly known as State College. A&M achieved university status in 1908 and was named State University, Lexington, Kentucky. In 1916, the legislature officially changed the name to University of Kentucky.

(Subjects: Lexington | University of Kentucky)