Historical Marker

Man O' War - Chestnut, 16.2 Hands Tall, Foaled 1917 by Fair Play-Mahubah, by Rock Sand


Of all the great horses which have thundered over the American Turf, Man o' War remains the standard by which thoroughbreds are judged. Foaled east of this marker, on the farm then known as August Belmont's Nursery Stud, Man o' War was purchased as a yearling at Saratoga by S. D. Riddle and was trained by Louis Feustel. A 2-year-old champion, he won 9 of 10 races, finishing second once to Upset, a horse he defeated soundly in their 6 other meetings. As a 3-year-old in 1920, he was unbeatable in 11 races; he did not run in the Kentucky Derby but won the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. He set or equaled 8 track records, establishing American records for 1, 11/8, 13/8, 11/2 and 15/8 miles, winning the latter by 100 lengths. In his last race, he defeated older champion Sir Barton, first Triple Crown winner, by 7 lengths, and was retired as a 3-year-old with then-record earnings of $249,465 from his 20 victories in 21 races. He then became one of America's greatest sires. See other side.

(Reverse) Man o' War (1917-1947) - Champion and Sire of Champions - Standing at S. D. Riddle's Faraway Farm about 10 miles east of this marker, Man o' War, "as close to a living flame as a horse can be," passed on his great racing ability to his progeny. Man o' War topped the sire list in 1926 when his offspring earned a then-record $408,137 in purses. In his 22 years at stud, Man o' War sired 379 foals, of which 220 were winners, and an extraordinary number, 64, were stakes winners, including War Admiral, 1937 Triple Crown winner and leading sire of 1945; Battleship, winner of the 1934 Grand National in America and of the 1937 Grand National Steeplechase in England; American Flag, Crusader, Bateau, Scapa Flow, Edith Cavell, Maid at Arms, and Florence Nightingale. Man o' War also sired Blockade, three-time Maryland Hunt Cup winner; and Holystone, a race winner later developed into a champion show jumper. Although limited by the quantity and quality of mares bred to him, Man o' War still proved to be an exceptional sire

Horses Kentucky Derby Man o' War
Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the bluegrass that grows in many of its pastures.
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