These are Lexington’s oldest businesses that still operate today

Since its earliest days, Lexington has been a center of commerce for the area, even before Kentucky was a state.

Some of the businesses formed in the city’s earliest days still operate today. One is recognized as one of the oldest businesses in the country.

While some of the entities have moved from serving as a commercial entity to a not-for-profit organization, the lasting power of these enterprises that have called Lexington home for generations is a testament to their longevity.

• Valley View Ferry, est. 1780.
• Transylvania University, est. 1780.
• Eastern State Hospital, est. 1816.
• Milward Funeral Home, est. 1825 — Lexington’s oldest business, and the 37th-oldest continuously operating business in the U.S.
• Lexington Cemetery, est. 1850.
• Farmers Bank & Capital Trust Company, est. 1850.
• The Red Mile, est. 1875 — one of the oldest harness racing tracks in the world.
• Coleman Crest Farm, est. 1888 — run by the same family for more than 135 years.
• Joe Rosenberg Jewelers, est. 1896.
• Lexington Leader (that would become the Lexington Herald-Leader), est. 1901.
• Hawkins-Taylor Funeral Home, est. 1921.
• Barney Miller’s, est. 1922.
• Chevy Chase Inn, est. 1933.
• Bluegrass Airport, est. 1933.
• Pieratt’s, est. 1946.
• Columbia Steak House, est. 1948.
• Farmers Jewelry, est. 1950, still run by the same family.
• Thoroughbred Restaurant, est. 1954.
• WLEX Channel 18, est. 1955 — Lexington’s first TV station.
• Wheeler Pharmacy, est. 1958.