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| It’s #HumpDay! The Louisville Zoo Camel. Author’s collection. |
It’s #humpday again! So I’m rolling out the camel and a list: today let’s explore 7 Lexington landmarks. But I have to ask, are there other landmarks I didn’t think of or mention? Please mention others in the comments!
- The Old Courthouse
- Morrison Hall
- Hunt-Morgan House
- Ashland
- Big Blue Building
- Rupp Arena
- Memorial Hall
You can click through most of these landmarks for more history and photos.
1. The Old Courthouse
At the heart of any town is its courthouse. Lexington’s historic courthouse, though currently mothballed, is the heart of the community. Our fourth courthouse, it was built in 1898.
Designed by Gideon Shryock, the structure faces Gratz Park and is the icon of Transylvania University. Frankly, it is the icon of the city as Lexington’s official seal depicts Old Morrison.
Also known as Hopemont, the HMH was built by the first millionaire west of the Alleghenies: John Wesley Hunt. Tradition suggests that the Thunderbolt of the Confederacy, General John Hunt Morgan, rode his horse in through the front door, bent down and kissed his mother on the cheek, before riding through the rear of the house – all in avoidance of Union troops. Oh, and a Nobel laureate was born here (Dr. Thomas Hunt Morgan).
4. Ashland: Henry Clay’s Home
The Home of Henry Clay. Well, sort of. The home in which Henry Clay actually lived was in poor condition when it was demolished in 1854; son James Clay rebuilt the present Ashland mansion. Oh, and the video above is an awesome new #sharethelex video. Watch it.
Sure, it isn’t historic. But it is an icon of Lexington’s skyline.In fact, it is the tallest building in town and is the key to the city’s skyline. Completed in 1987, the octagon-shaped structure’s 31 stories reach 410-feet into the air.
6. Rupp Arena
The home of the Kentucky Wildcats (aka the Greatest Tradition in College Basketball) since 1976, Rupp Arena is named after the legendary coach Adolph Rupp. Today, it seats 23,500 people for basketball and it played host to the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 1985.
7. Memorial Hall
Just as Old Morrison is the chief landmark for Transylvania University, so Memorial Hall is the iconic building for the University of Kentucky. In UK’s logo, the outline of Memorial can be found between the U and the K. Photo: UK Campus Guide.
Yes. There are more landmarks I didn’t mention. A lot more. What did I miss? When you think of Lexington, what landmarks do you think of? Tweet me, comment on on Facebook or below and let me know your Lexington Landmarks!