 |
| Veiled Historic Marker – Lexington, Ky. |
This evening, the new historic marker at Lexington’s Hunt-Morgan House was formally unveiled. The old marker, the venerable #3, was over fifty years old, difficult to read, and factually inaccurate. Thanks to some generous gifts and the good work of the Blue Grass Trust and the Morgan’s Men Association, we now have a much more informative history in front of the beautiful 1814 Federal at the northwest corner of Second and Mill streets:
HUNT-MORGAN HOUSE
1814 Federal-style home, named Hopemont, retains original architectural features, including a cantilevered staircase & fanlight window. Saved from demolition by the Blue Grass Trust in 1955. Built by John Wesley Hunt (1773-1849), a philanthropist and the first millionaire west of the Allegheny Mountains.
(Reverse) Inherited by daughter, Henrietta Hunt Morgan, mother of Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan (1825-1864), known as the “Thunderbolt of the Confederacy.” Birthplace of John Wesley Hunt’s great grandson, Dr. Thomas Hunt Morgan (1866-1945), known as the “Father of Modern Genetics” and the first Kentuckian to win a Nobel Prize (1933).
More text and photos after the jump…
At the bottom of each side, the marker reminds us of its own history: “Update of original KY Historical Marker #3.” The old #3? A much shorter history (text after the photo):
 |
| Old Historic Marker – Lexington, Ky. |
Since you can’t read that, it says:
Home of John Hunt Morgan, “Thunderbolt of the Confederacy.” Born Huntsville, Alabama, June 1, 1825. Killed Greeneville, Tennessee, September 4, 1864. Lieutenant, Kentucky Volunteers in Mexican War 1846-1847. Major General, C.S.A., 1861-1864.
Despite its own challenges, this old #3 (historic in its own right) will soon be displayed in the gardens of the Hunt-Morgan House. Now without further adieu, the new historic marker at the Hunt-Morgan House:
 |
| Foster and Brenda Pettit Unveil the New Historic Marker – Lexington, Ky. |
Check out these other pictures from the unveiling and of the historic Hunt-Morgan House.