Historic Botherum
Historical marker location:
Lexington, Kentucky
( 341 Madison Place, Lexington)
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 was also a shrine to Johnson’s late wife, Sally Ann, sister of emancipationist Cassius M. Clay, who served as Pres.Lincoln’s minister to Russia.
(Reverse) The original estate included 30 acres on the edge of Lexington. In the 1880s it was subdivided into lots for the Woodward Heights neighborhood. Located in a town once called “The Athens of the West,” this home is a testament to the legacy of Kentucky’s 19th century statesmen and their passion for the classic architectural styles
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Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
About Fayette County
Fayette County Timeline
Fayette County, located in the heart of central Kentucky, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the late 18th century. The county was established in 1780 and named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who fought alongside the American colonists during the American Revolution. Throughout its history, Fayette County has played a significant role in the development of Kentucky and the United States as a whole.
In the early years of its settlement, Fayette County became a critical hub for traders and pioneers heading westward. The city of Lexington, the county seat, quickly developed into a thriving center of commerce and education. Known as the "Athens of the West," Lexington attracted numerous intellectuals and scholars, establishing it as a leading educational and cultural center in the region.
Fayette County also played a crucial role in the growth of Kentucky's horse industry. The county's fertile bluegrass land proved ideal for raising thoroughbred horses, and Lexington became known as the "Horse Capital of the World." The area's world-renowned horse farms and racetracks have contributed significantly to the county's economy and cultural identity.
Throughout its history, Fayette County has faced challenges and experienced periods of growth and decline. It was witness to key historical events such as the American Civil War when the county was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. After the war, the county experienced economic growth and urban development, but also faced challenges related to racial segregation and civil rights struggles.
In recent years, Fayette County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Today, it is a diverse and vibrant county, known for its cultural events, educational institutions, and beautiful landscapes. Fayette County's history serves as a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people, and it remains an important part of Kentucky's heritage.
In the early years of its settlement, Fayette County became a critical hub for traders and pioneers heading westward. The city of Lexington, the county seat, quickly developed into a thriving center of commerce and education. Known as the "Athens of the West," Lexington attracted numerous intellectuals and scholars, establishing it as a leading educational and cultural center in the region.
Fayette County also played a crucial role in the growth of Kentucky's horse industry. The county's fertile bluegrass land proved ideal for raising thoroughbred horses, and Lexington became known as the "Horse Capital of the World." The area's world-renowned horse farms and racetracks have contributed significantly to the county's economy and cultural identity.
Throughout its history, Fayette County has faced challenges and experienced periods of growth and decline. It was witness to key historical events such as the American Civil War when the county was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. After the war, the county experienced economic growth and urban development, but also faced challenges related to racial segregation and civil rights struggles.
In recent years, Fayette County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Today, it is a diverse and vibrant county, known for its cultural events, educational institutions, and beautiful landscapes. Fayette County's history serves as a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people, and it remains an important part of Kentucky's heritage.
Fayette County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fayette County, Kentucky.
- 1775 - Daniel Boone explores the area now known as Fayette County
- 1779 - The town of Lexington is established
- 1780 - Fayette County is officially formed
- 1792 - Kentucky becomes the 15th state in the United States
- 1796 - The Transylvania University is founded in Lexington
- 1818 - Ashland, the estate of Henry Clay, is completed
- 1833 - Lexington and Fayette County merge governments to create the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
- 1850s - The area becomes an important center for horse breeding and racing
- 1862 - Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln, is born in Lexington
- 1872 - The University of Kentucky is founded as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky
- 1910 - The Lexington Horse Show, now known as the Kentucky Horse Park, begins
- 1927 - The annual Keeneland Race Course opens
- 1940s - The area experiences significant growth due to the World War II defense industry and training centers
- 1961 - IBM establishes a major manufacturing facility in Lexington
- 1978 - Lexington hosts the first World Equestrian Games held in the United States
- 1999 - The Lexington Public Library opens its new central location