Explore some of the vibrant history of Lexington, Kentucky

These curated articles about Lexington, Kentucky, explore distinct elements of its rich history. They unveil unique stories that mark the city's journey through time, touching on its cultural, medical and political developments.

One story details how a group of nuns founded the Saint Joseph Hospital in the 19th century, showcasing resilience and dedication to public health. In another article, the iconic Woodland Park emerges as a community gathering place since the late 19th century, witnessing lectures, fairs and various public events. The account of Belle Brezing, a well-known madam in Lexington, reveals nuances in her life that might have inspired a character in "Gone with the Wind." Finally, John J. Crittenden, a notable Kentucky politician, contributed a critical compromise attempt to prevent the Civil War.

People walk through Gratz Park in Lexington surrounded by brightly colored leaves. Tuesday’s weather calls for partly sunny skies and a high temperature in the mid-60s, according to the National Weather Service. By Tom Eblen

NO. 1: LEXINGTON’S GRATZ PARK HAS BEEN A CENTRAL GREEN SPACE FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY

Editor’s Note: | Published October 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

CHI Saint Joseph opened a newly renovated outpatient surgery center at its Harrodsburg Road campus on Jan. 4, 2021.

NO. 2: LEXINGTON’S FIRST HOSPITAL WAS STARTED BY NUNS AND STILL OPERATES TODAY

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

Belle Brezing (1860-1940) was shown in an undated studio portrait. She turned to prostitution in her teens.

NO. 3: BELLE BREZING: DID THE LEXINGTON MADAM INSPIRE A ‘GONE WITH THE WIND’ CHARACTER?

Editor’s Note: | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

Amanda Judy, of Lexington, Ky., examines handmade metal garden sculptures at one of the dozens of booths at the Woodland Art Fair at Woodland Park in Lexington, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. The fair will continue on Sunday opening at 10 a.m. By Alex Slitz

NO. 4: LECTURES, RALLIES AND FAIRS: WOODLAND PARK HAS BEEN PART OF LEXINGTON SINCE 1880S

Editor’s Note: | Published September 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 5: JOHN CRITTENDEN: KENTUCKY POLITICIAN WHO PUSHED FOR COMPROMISE AMID THE CIVIL WAR

Editor’s Note: | Published September 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

The monument was a gift to the Lexington Automobile Club from William M. Ingram and was dedicated Nov. 20, 1926, according to a June 30, 1931 issue of the Lexington Leader. By Daniel Kehn

NO. 6: LEXINGTON’S CAMEL STATUE SERVED AS A CELEBRATION OF HIGHWAYS, MARKER FOR TRAVELERS

Editor’s Note: | Published October 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

Exterior shot of the Historic Pope Villa in Lexington, Ky on April 23, 2024 By Tasha Poullard

NO. 7: LEXINGTON’S HISTORIC POPE VILLA WAS HOME FOR KY POLITICIAN JOHN POPE

Editor’s Note: | Published October 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 8: THE FIRST CAR INVENTED IN LEXINGTON WAS ‘ONE OF THE FINEST ON THE MARKET’

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

NO. 9: EARLY LEXINGTON WAS A CENTER OF COMMERCE FOR THE REGION, WITH MARKETS AND SHOPS

Editor’s Note: | Published October 24, 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.