Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky is the "Horse Capital of the World," located in the heart of the Bluegrass. It is the second largest city in Kentucky and has the second largest metropolitan area (after Louisville). As of 2004, the population estimates given by the U.S. Census Bureau was 266,358.

History

Lexington was founded in June of 1775, 17 years before Kentucky became a state. A party of frontiersmen, led by William McConnell, camped on a branch of Elkhorn Creek at the location known today as McConnell Springs. Upon hearing of the colonists' victory at Lexington, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775, they named their campsite Lexington to commemorate the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. Due to the 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. Cabins and a stockade were soon built, making the fort a place of importance. The town of Lexington was established on May 6, 1782, by an act of the Virginia General Assembly.

Related Topics:
1775 - Kentucky - Elkhorn Creek - Lexington, Massachusetts - American Revolutionary War - Fort Harrod - May 6 - 1782 - Virginia General Assembly

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By 1820, it was one of the largest and wealthiest towns west of the Allegheny Mountains. So cultured was its lifestyle, Lexington gained the nickname "Athens of the West." One early prominent citizen, John Wesley Hunt, became the first millionaire west of the Alleghenies.

Related Topics:
Allegheny Mountains - Athens - John Wesley Hunt

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