Nine captivating tales from Lexington, KY's rich history

These curated articles all examine some of the pivotal events in Lexington, Kentucky's past, highlighting incidents that reflect the city's social, political and economic transformation. They recount stories of abolitionist movements, technological advancements and natural disasters, each shaping the city in unique ways.

One article recounts how in 1845, an abolitionist newspaper edited by Cassius Clay faced violent opposition, leading to its forced relocation to Cincinnati. Another piece describes the 1957 sonic boom over Lexington, which sparked widespread panic among residents. The story of the Browning family reveals a series of tragic events involving two odd deaths, reflecting the darker aspects of local history. Additionally, there is an account of Henry Tandy, who rose from slavery to become a successful builder in Lexington, underscoring social changes during his lifetime.

The former Fayette County courthouse at 215 West Main Street in Lexington, Ky. Wednesday, May 6, 2020 By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 1: FROM SLAVERY TO BUSINESS OWNER, HENRY TANDY BUILT LEXINGTON’S MOST ICONIC BUILDINGS

Editor’s Note: | Published August 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

A 1957 edition of the Lexington Herald, documenting a sonic boom that took place over Lexington, Kentucky, on July 27, 1957. By Herald-Leader Archives

NO. 2: ‘THE END OF TIME’: 1957 SONIC BOOM OVER LEXINGTON BROUGHT CHAOS

Editor’s Note: | Published August 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 3: IN 1932 FLOOD, LEXINGTON STREETS BECAME RIVERS AS 8 INCHES OF WATER HIT THE CITY

Editor’s Note: | Published August 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 4: LEXINGTON HISTORY: PROMINENT LEXINGTON AUTHOR DIES IN 1901 TRAIN ACCIDENT

Editor’s Note: | Published August 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 5: TRUE CRIME: KENTUCKY’S BROWNING FAMILY INCLUDED TWO STRANGE DEATHS

Editor’s Note: | Published August 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 6: LEXINGTON HISTORY: FIRST STAGECOACH BEGAN RUNNING IN 1803, MAKING TRAVEL EASIER

Editor’s Note: | Published August 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

Lyman T. Johnson, shown in this Feb. 1997 file photo, in Louisville, Ky.,

NO. 7: LEXINGTON HISTORY: HOW LYMAN JOHNSON FOUGHT TO DESEGREGATE KENTUCKY’S COLLEGES

Editor’s Note: | Published August 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

Cassius Marcellus Clay, called the Lion of White Hall in later life, was one of Kentucky's most colorful characters.

NO. 8: LEXINGTON’S ABOLITIONIST NEWSPAPER WAS SEIZED BY A MOB, SENT TO CINCINNATI IN 1845

Editor’s Note: | Published August 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

Some of Lexington’s businesses founded in the early years of the city still operate today. By From top left: Herald-Leader archives, Tasha Poullard, Faron Collins, Gabi Broekema

NO. 9: 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. | Published September 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.