Historical Marker

Lexington Colored Fair Association

Historical marker location:
Lexington, Kentucky
( 644 Georgetown St., Lexington)

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

  A brief timeline of the history of the Reconstruction Era

The Reconstruction Era in the United States followed the Civil War and spanned from 1865 to 1877. It aimed to address the social, economic, and political challenges faced by the nation after the abolition of slavery. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key events during the Reconstruction Era:

  • 1865: The Civil War ends with the surrender of Confederate forces. President Abraham Lincoln, who favored a lenient approach to reconstruction, is assassinated in April. Vice President Andrew Johnson assumes the presidency.

  • 1865: The Freedmen's Bureau is established to provide assistance to newly freed slaves, including education, employment, and legal support.

  • 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

  • 1866: The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is passed, granting citizenship and equal rights to all individuals born in the United States, regardless of race or previous condition of slavery.

  • 1867: The Reconstruction Acts are passed by Congress, dividing the former Confederate states into military districts and requiring them to draft new state constitutions that grant voting rights to African American men.

  • 1868: The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens and granting citizenship to former slaves.

  • 1870: The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

  • 1870s: African Americans are elected to various political offices, including state legislatures and even the U.S. Congress. This period witnesses a significant increase in black political participation.

  • 1873: The economic Panic of 1873 leads to a severe depression, undermining many of the gains made during the Reconstruction Era.

  • 1876: The disputed presidential election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden results in the Compromise of 1877. As part of the compromise, federal troops are withdrawn from the South, effectively marking the end of Reconstruction.

  • 1877: With the withdrawal of federal troops, Southern states begin enacting Jim Crow laws and implementing systemic racial segregation and discrimination, suppressing the political and economic rights of African Americans.

The Reconstruction Era was a complex and contentious period in American history, marked by progress in racial equality and political participation, as well as the subsequent rollback of those gains. It left a lasting impact on the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing quest for racial justice in the United States.

African American Lexington Reconstruction Era
The town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
Kentucky random facts
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.

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