Discover Lexington’s 250 years of history and hidden stories

Lexington, Kentucky’s 250-year history brims with remarkable stories that paint a vivid picture of its past.

Early records were nearly lost in Levi Todd’s stone office fire, but community members rescued much of the original documentation. The city’s racing legacy lives on in Lexington, the horse, whose powerful performances and breeding shaped thoroughbred history.

Postlethwait Tavern was once a lively social and racing hub before transforming into the Phoenix Hotel. Moments like John “Wildcat” McKinney’s dramatic encounter with a wildcat and the evolution of local government from trustee rule to elected mayors reveal Lexington’s mix of legend and lasting change.

NO. 1: FROM 1832: LEXINGTON VOTERS, YOU NOW MAY CHOOSE YOUR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS DIRECTLY

The son of millionaire John Wesley Hunt was elected mayor Nearly 6,000 residents voted Charlton Hunt into office as mayor, along with four council members representing four different wards of Lexington | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

Don Williams rides a bulldozer Oct. 10, 1974 as the restoration of the Lexington Opera House continues in downtown Lexington. The historic theatre at the corner of West Short Street and South Broadway needed a renovation after high winds demolished the roof in 1973. Private and public fund drives started to save the theatre and ultimately it became part of the Lexington Center complex that included the new Rupp Arena and convention center that opened in 1976. Restoration of the 19th century structure cost $4 million. It reopened Friday, May 7, 1976 with a performance by the Lexington Philharmonic and the Lexington Singers. By John Wyatt

NO. 2: HOW THEATER, OPERA, THE ARTS MADE DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON THE ATHENS OF THE WEST

The Herald-Leader’s celebration of Lexington’s 250th birthday examines how the destructive fire at the theater at Main and Broadway led to the construction of a new arts center that became the Lexington Opera House. | Published January 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 3: MARY TODD LINCOLN’S GRANDFATHER TRIED TO SAVE LEXINGTON’S EARLIEST HISTORY DESPITE FIRE

The Herald-Leader’s series on Lexington’s 250th birthday explains how a devastating fire wiped out the very first records of Lexington as a new settlement. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 4: SPREADING THE NEWS AND DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE AUGUST 1787

The Herald-Leader’s series focused on the stories of Lexington’s 250-year history examines the rich history of the Frankfort Gazette, which began 238 years ago in Lexington. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 5: POSTLETHWAIT TAVERN WAS WHERE EVERYBODY KNEW YOUR NAME

The Herald-Leader’s examination of Lexington’s 250-year history focuses on one of the very first taverns that opened in the city and was a popular spot for decades. | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 6: CELEBRATING LEXINGTON. NOT THE CITY, BUT THE RECORD-SETTING HORSE BY THE SAME NAME

The Herald-Leader’s yearlong coverage of Lexington’s 250-year history examines the legacy of Legacy, the award-winning horse. | Published March 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 7: NOT ALL OF LEXINGTON’S LEGENDS ARE FOUND IN HISTORY BOOKS. THEY ALSO PLAY BALL!

The Herald-Leader’s yearlong coverage of Lexington’s 250th birthday celebrates its baseball heritage, including the Lexington Legends. | Published April 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 8: YOU CAN TOUR THE STREETS OF LEXINGTON WHERE FAMOUS AUTHORS WALKED

The 250th birthday celebration of Lexington, Kentucky, includes a walking tour of famous authors who called the city home. | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

NO. 9: HAVE YOU HEARD THE ONE ABOUT A LEXINGTON TEACHER TANGLING WITH A WILDCAT?

The Herald-Leader’s series on great moments in Lexington’s 250-year history tells the story of Lexington’s very first teacher clashing with (no kidding) a wildcat at school. | Published April 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.