National Register of Historic Places listings in Fayette County, Kentucky facts for kids

Fayette County, Kentucky, is full of amazing places that tell stories about the past! This article will take you on a journey through some of these special spots. They are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is like an official list of important buildings, sites, and objects in the United States. When a place is on this list, it means it's special and worth protecting for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.

There are 176 historic places in Fayette County that are currently on this list. Three of them are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. These are the most important historic places in the entire country! A few other places were once on the list but have since been removed.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places. It helps us find and protect buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Being on the Register means a place is recognized for its value to our shared heritage. It also helps with planning for its future and sometimes offers special benefits for its preservation.

Special Historic Landmarks

Fayette County is home to three National Historic Landmarks, which are truly treasures!

Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

Ashland was the home of Henry Clay, a very famous American statesman. He was known as "The Great Compromiser" because he worked hard to find solutions that everyone could agree on in politics. This beautiful estate is located southeast of Lexington and was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1966. It's a great place to learn about American history and how people lived long ago.

Keeneland

Keeneland is a world-famous horse racing track and a horse breeding farm. It's located off Versailles and Rice Roads in Lexington. This place is super important to Kentucky's horse industry and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It's not just a place for races; it's also a beautiful example of the Bluegrass region's horse culture.

Old Morrison Hall

Old Morrison Hall is a historic building at Transylvania University in Lexington. This university is one of the oldest colleges west of the Allegheny Mountains! Old Morrison Hall was built in the early 1830s and is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1966, recognizing its importance in education and design.

Homes with History

Many old homes in Fayette County have interesting stories to tell.

Mary Todd Lincoln House

The Mary Todd Lincoln House is located at 574 West Main Street in Lexington. This was the childhood home of Mary Todd, who later married Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. She lived here from 1832 until she married Lincoln in 1842. It's a fascinating place to visit and imagine what life was like for her growing up. It was added to the National Register in 1971.

James Allen House

The James Allen House is found at 1020 Lane Allen Road in Lexington. This house was built in the early 1800s and is a great example of the early homes in the area. It was listed on the National Register in 1982.

Abraham Barton House

The Abraham Barton House is at 200 North Upper Street in Lexington. This house, built around 1830, shows off the Federal style of architecture. It was added to the National Register in 1977.

James Burnie Beck House

The James Burnie Beck House is located at 209 East High Street in Lexington. James Burnie Beck was a U.S. Senator from Kentucky. His home was listed on the National Register in 1982.

Botherum

Botherum is a unique historic home located at 341 Madison Place in Lexington. This house was built in the mid-1800s and has a very distinct architectural style. It was added to the National Register in 1973.

Brand-Barrow House

The Brand-Barrow House is at 203 East 4th Street in Lexington. This house, built around 1850, is a good example of a mid-19th century home in the area. It was listed on the National Register in 1976.

Joshua Brown House

The Joshua Brown House is located at 2705 Tates Creek Road in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1979.

John Clark House

The John Clark House is on Tates Creek Pike in Lexington. This old house, built in the early 1800s, was listed on the National Register in 1980.

Elley Villa

Elley Villa is a historic home at 320 Linden Walk in Lexington. This beautiful house was added to the National Register in 1978.

Hal Price Headley Sr. House

The Hal Price Headley Sr. House is at 1236 Standish Way in Lexington. Hal Price Headley Sr. was a prominent figure in the horse industry. His home was listed on the National Register in 2010.

Highland Hall

Highland Hall is a historic estate located at 6208 Richmond Road in Lexington. This grand home was added to the National Register in 1977.

Thomas January House

The Thomas January House is at 437 West 2nd Street in Lexington. This house, built in the early 1800s, was listed on the National Register in 1974.

Matthew Kennedy House

The Matthew Kennedy House is at 216 North Limestone Street in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1973.

Kinkead House

The Kinkead House is located at 362 Walnut Street in Lexington. This house was listed on the National Register in 1982.

Henry P. Kinkead House

The Henry P. Kinkead House is at 403 North Martin Luther King Boulevard in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1984.

James Lemon Houses

The James Lemon Houses are a pair of historic homes at 329-331 South Mill Street in Lexington. These houses were listed on the National Register in 1974.

Courtney Mathews House

The Courtney Mathews House is at 547 Breckinridge Street in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 2011.

John McCauley House

The John McCauley House is at 319 Lexington Avenue in Lexington. This house was listed on the National Register in 1980.

James McConnell House

The James McConnell House is on Old Frankfort Pike in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1983.

William McConnell House

The William McConnell House is on Forbes Road in Lexington. This historic home was listed on the National Register in 1983.

McCracken-Wilgus House

The McCracken-Wilgus House is at 327 Wilgus Street in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1978.

Dr. John McGarvey House

The Dr. John McGarvey House is at 362 South Mill Street in Lexington. This historic home was listed on the National Register in 1974.

Charles McPheeters House

The Charles McPheeters House is at 352 South Mill Street in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1974.

Moore-Redd-Frazer House

The Moore-Redd-Frazer House is on Georgetown Pike in Lexington. This historic home was listed on the National Register in 1976.

William Morton House

The William Morton House is at 518 Limestone Street in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1975.

William Poindexter House

The William Poindexter House is at 359 South Mill Street in Lexington. This historic home was listed on the National Register in 1974.

Ridgely House

The Ridgely House is at 190 Market Street in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1973.

Rose Hill

Rose Hill is a historic home at 461 North Limestone Street in Lexington. This house was listed on the National Register in 1974.

Spring Hill Farm

Spring Hill Farm is a historic farm located at 1401 Old Frankfort Pike in Lexington. This farm was added to the National Register in 1978.

Springview Farm

Springview Farm is a historic farm located at 3076 Royster Road in Lexington. This farm was added to the National Register in 2012.

Thomas B. Watkins House

The Thomas B. Watkins House is at 1008 South Broadway in Lexington. This historic home was listed on the National Register in 1982.

Henry Watt House

The Henry Watt House is at 703 West High Street in Lexington. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1977.

Allen Worley and Foushee Houses

The Allen Worley and Foushee Houses are a group of historic homes at 355, 361, and 367 South Broadway in Lexington. These houses were listed on the National Register in 1976.

Important Buildings and Places

Beyond homes, many other buildings and sites in Fayette County hold historical importance.

African Cemetery No. 2

African Cemetery No. 2 is a historic cemetery at 419 East 7th Street in Lexington. It was established in 1869 and is an important site for African American history in the region. It was added to the National Register in 2004.

Cadentown School

The Cadentown School is at 705 Caden Lane in Lexington. This school was built for African American children in the Cadentown community. It was listed on the National Register in 2006.

Central Christian Church

The Central Christian Church is at 207 East Short Street in Lexington. This church, built in the late 1800s, is a beautiful example of Romanesque Revival architecture. It was added to the National Register in 1979.

Central Kentucky Blue Grass Seed Company Building

The Central Kentucky Blue Grass Seed Company Building is at 321 Henry Street in Lexington. This building is important because it shows the history of the bluegrass seed industry in Kentucky. It was listed on the National Register in 2005.

Chandler Normal School Building and Webster Hall

The Chandler Normal School Building and Webster Hall are at 548 Georgetown Street in Lexington. These buildings were part of a school that provided education for African American students. They were added to the National Register in 1980.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is located at Church and Market Streets in Lexington. This Episcopal church is one of the oldest churches in Lexington, with parts of the current building dating back to the early 1800s. It was listed on the National Register in 1976.

Clark Hardware Company Building

The Clark Hardware Company Building is at 367-369 West Short Street and 142 North Broadway in Lexington. This building, built in the late 1800s, was a significant commercial spot. It was added to the National Register in 1979.

Henry Clay's Law Office

Henry Clay's Law Office is at 176 North Mill Street in Lexington. This is where the famous statesman Henry Clay practiced law. It was listed on the National Register in 1971.

Confederate Soldier Monument in Lexington

The Confederate Soldier Monument in Lexington is at 833 West Main Street. This monument honors Confederate soldiers. It was listed on the National Register in 1997.

DeLong Agricultural Implements Warehouse

The DeLong Agricultural Implements Warehouse was on Patterson Street in Lexington. This warehouse was important for storing farm equipment. It was listed on the National Register in 1980.

Douglass School

The Douglass School is at 465 Price Road in Lexington. This school was built for African American students during a time of segregation. It was listed on the National Register in 1998.

Episcopal Burying Ground and Chapel

The Episcopal Burying Ground and Chapel is at 251 East 3rd Street in Lexington. This historic cemetery and chapel were listed on the National Register in 1976.

Fayette National Bank Building

The Fayette National Bank Building is at 159-167 West Main Street in Lexington. This impressive building was a key part of Lexington's financial history. It was listed on the National Register in 1980.

Fayette Safety Vault and Trust Company Building

The Fayette Safety Vault and Trust Company Building is at 111-113 Cheapside Street in Lexington. This building was important for banking and security. It was listed on the National Register in 1980.

First African Baptist Church

The First African Baptist Church is at 264-272 East Short Street in Lexington. This church has a very important history as one of the oldest African American churches in Kentucky. It was listed on the National Register in 1986.

First Presbyterian Church, Lexington

The First Presbyterian Church, Lexington is at 174 North Mill Street. This church building, with its beautiful architecture, was listed on the National Register in 1974.

Floral Hall

Floral Hall is at 847 South Broadway in Lexington. This unique building was part of the Kentucky State Fairgrounds. It was listed on the National Register in 1977.

Monsieur Giron's Confectionary

Monsieur Giron's Confectionary is at 125 North Mill Street in Lexington. This building was once a sweet shop! It was added to the National Register in 1974.

Higgins Block

The Higgins Block is at 145-151 West Main Street in Lexington. This commercial building was listed on the National Register in 1977.

John Hunt Morgan Memorial

The John Hunt Morgan Memorial is a monument that was once on the Courthouse Lawn in Lexington. It honors Confederate General John Hunt Morgan. It was listed on the National Register in 1997.

Ladies' Confederate Memorial

The Ladies' Confederate Memorial is at 833 West Main Street in Lexington. This monument was listed on the National Register in 1997.

Lexington Cemetery

The Lexington Cemetery is a large and historic cemetery at 833 West Main Street. It's the final resting place for many famous Kentuckians, including Henry Clay. It was listed on the National Register in 1976.

Lexington City National Bank Building

The Lexington City National Bank Building is at 259-265 West Main Street in Lexington. This building was an important bank in the city. It was listed on the National Register in 1980.

Lexington Dry Goods Company Building

The Lexington Dry Goods Company Building is at 249-251 East Main Street in Lexington. This building was once a large department store. It was listed on the National Register in 1988.

Lexington Herald Building

The Lexington Herald Building is at 121 Walnut Street in Lexington. This building was home to the local newspaper. It was listed on the National Register in 1982.

Lexington National Cemetery

The Lexington National Cemetery is at 833 West Main Street. This cemetery is a burial ground for U.S. military veterans. It was listed on the National Register in 1998.

Lexington Veterans Administration Hospital

The Lexington Veterans Administration Hospital is at 2250 Leestown Road. This hospital provides care for veterans. It was listed on the National Register in 2012.

Liggett and Myers Harpring Tobacco Storage Warehouse

The Liggett and Myers Harpring Tobacco Storage Warehouse is at 1211 Manchester Street in Lexington. This large building was used for storing tobacco. It was listed on the National Register in 2013.

Liggett and Myers Tobacco Re-handling Facility

The Liggett and Myers Tobacco Re-handling Facility is at 200 Bolivar Street in Lexington. This facility was also involved in the tobacco industry. It was listed on the National Register in 2003.

Loudoun House

Loudoun House is at the corner of Bryan Avenue and Castlewood Drive in Lexington. This unique Gothic Revival mansion was listed on the National Register in 1973.

Maxwell Place

Maxwell Place is on Rose Street at the University of Kentucky. This historic home serves as the official residence of the university's president. It was listed on the National Register in 1982.

McAdams and Morford Building

The McAdams and Morford Building is at 200-210 West Main Street in Lexington. This commercial building was listed on the National Register in 1973.

McConnell Springs Park

McConnell Springs Park is a very important historical site in Lexington. It's considered the birthplace of Lexington, as early explorers camped here in 1775 and named the settlement. It was listed on the National Register in 1976.

Miller Brothers Building

The Miller Brothers Building is at 359-361 West Main Street in Lexington. This commercial building was listed on the National Register in 1980.

Will Morton Tavern Stand

The Will Morton Tavern Stand is at 137 South Limestone Street in Lexington. This building was once a tavern, a place where travelers could eat and stay. It was listed on the National Register in 1978.

Odd Fellows Temple

The Odd Fellows Temple is at 115-119 West Main Street in Lexington. This building was used by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization. It was listed on the National Register in 1980.

Opera House and Yates Bookshop Building

The Opera House and Yates Bookshop Building are at 141 and 145 North Broadway in Lexington. This historic complex includes a beautiful opera house. It was listed on the National Register in 1975.

James E. Pepper Distillery

The James E. Pepper Distillery is at 1200 Manchester Street in Lexington. This historic distillery played a big role in Kentucky's bourbon industry. It was listed on the National Register in 2009.

Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association

The Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association building is at 343 South Broadway in Lexington. This building was important for local banking services. It was listed on the National Register in 2016.

Randall Building Bogaert's Jewelry Store

The Randall Building Bogaert's Jewelry Store is at 127-129 West Main Street in Lexington. This commercial building was listed on the National Register in 1982.

Russell School

The Russell School is at 201 West 5th Street in Lexington. This school was built for African American students. It was listed on the National Register in 2006.

Sayre School

Sayre School (originally Sayre Female Institute) is at 194 North Limestone Street in Lexington. This school has a long history of educating students, especially young women. It was listed on the National Register in 1982.

Second Presbyterian Church

The Second Presbyterian Church is at 460 East Main Street in Lexington. This church building was listed on the National Register in 1980.

Southern Railway Passenger Depot

The Southern Railway Passenger Depot was at 701 South Broadway in Lexington. This train station was an important transportation hub. It was listed on the National Register in 1987.

Spindletop Hall

Spindletop Hall is at 3414 Ironworks Pike in Lexington. This grand estate is now part of the University of Kentucky. It was listed on the National Register in 2012.

Trotter's Warehouse

Trotter's Warehouse was at 122-124 South Mill Street in Lexington. This warehouse was listed on the National Register in 1976, but the site is now occupied by the modern Lexington Financial Center.

United States Post Office and Court House

The United States Post Office and Court House is at 101 Barr Street in Lexington. This building served as both a post office and a courthouse. It was listed on the National Register in 1999.

Dr. Walter Warfield Building

The Dr. Walter Warfield Building is at 122-124 North Upper Street and 140-160 West Short Street in Lexington. This building was listed on the National Register in 1980.

Waveland State Historic Site

Waveland State Historic Site is located south of Lexington off U.S. Route 27. This beautiful plantation home tells the story of early Kentucky life. It was listed on the National Register in 1971.

Wolf Wile Department Store Building

The Wolf Wile Department Store Building is at 248-250 East Main Street in Lexington. This building was once a popular department store. It was listed on the National Register in 1996.

F.W. Woolworth Building

The F.W. Woolworth Building was at 106 Main Street in Lexington. This building was part of the famous Woolworth's chain. It was listed on the National Register in 2002 but was later torn down in 2004.

Charles Young Park and Community Center

The Charles Young Park and Community Center is at 540 East 3rd Street in Lexington. This park and community center provide important services to the community. It was listed on the National Register in 2016.

Historic Districts: Neighborhoods with a Past

Some areas are so full of historic buildings that the whole neighborhood is listed as a historic district!

Ashland Park Historic District

The Ashland Park Historic District is a neighborhood roughly bounded by Ashland Avenue, Richmond Road, Chinoe Road, and Fontaine Road in Lexington. This area has many historic homes and was listed in 1986.

Athens Historic District

The Athens Historic District is located on Athens-Boonesboro Pike in Athens, Kentucky. This small town has a collection of historic buildings that show its past. It was listed in 1979.

Bell Court Neighborhood Historic District

The Bell Court Neighborhood Historic District is roughly bounded by railroad tracks, Main Street, Boonesboro, and Walton Avenues in Lexington. This charming neighborhood was listed in 1980.

Boone Creek Rural Historic District

The Boone Creek Rural Historic District is a large area roughly bounded by Interstate 75, Cleveland Road, Athens-Boonesboro Road, and Grimes Road in Lexington. This district includes historic farms and landscapes. It was listed in 1994 and extends into Clark County.

Bowman Mill Road Rural Historic District

The Bowman Mill Road Rural Historic District includes Bowman Mill Road, Parkers Mill Road, and Cave Hill Lane in Lexington. This area showcases historic rural properties. It was listed in 1999.

Constitution Historic District

The Constitution Historic District is roughly bounded by East 3rd, Limestone, Walnut, and Pleasant Stone Streets in Lexington. This historic neighborhood was listed in 1982.

Downtown Commercial District

The Downtown Commercial District in Lexington is roughly bounded by Main, Church, Walnut Streets, and Broadway. This area contains many historic businesses and buildings that show the city's growth. It was listed in 1983.

Elsmere Park Historic District

The Elsmere Park Historic District is off North Broadway, between West 6th and 7th Streets in Lexington. This residential area was listed in 1976.

Gratz Park Historic District

The Gratz Park Historic District is a beautiful area bounded by 2nd and 3rd Streets, the Byway, and Bark Alley in Lexington. It's known for its historic homes and park. It was listed in 1973.

Hollywood Terrace Historic District

The Hollywood Terrace Historic District includes Tates Creek Road and the rear property lines of properties facing Euclid, Tremont, and Park Avenue in Lexington. This residential district was listed in 2008.

Mentelle Park

Mentelle Park is a historic residential area in Lexington. It was listed as a historic district in 1985.

Middle Reaches of Boone Creek Rural Historic District

The Middle Reaches of Boone Creek Rural Historic District is a large rural area roughly bounded by U.S. Route 421, Jones Nursery, Coombs Ferry, Sulphur Well Roads, and U.S. Route 25. This district, listed in 1996, also extends into Clark County.

New Zion Historic District

The New Zion Historic District is along Newtown Pike and New Zion Road, extending into Georgetown. This rural historic district was listed in 2008 and also extends into Scott County.

North Broadway-Short Street Historic District

The North Broadway-Short Street Historic District includes North Broadway and West Short Street in Lexington. This area has many historic commercial and residential buildings. It was listed in 1983.

North Limestone Commercial District

The North Limestone Commercial District is on North Limestone Street between Church and 3rd Streets in Lexington. This area is known for its historic businesses. It was listed in 1983.

Northeast Residential Historic District

The Northeast Residential Historic District is roughly bounded by East 5th Street, Kleiser Avenue and Campsie Place, East 4th Street, and Humbard Alley in Lexington. This neighborhood was listed in 1985.

Northside Historic Residential District

The Northside Historic Residential District is roughly bounded by railroad tracks, North Limestone, West Short, and Newtown Streets in Lexington. This large residential area was listed in 1979.

Pisgah Rural Historic District

The Pisgah Rural Historic District is an area northeast of Versailles, roughly bounded by South Elkhorn Creek, U.S. Route 60, and Big Sink Road. This rural district was listed in 1989.

Redd Road Rural Historic District

The Redd Road Rural Historic District is an area largely south and east of the junction of Redd and Frankfort Roads in Lexington. This rural district was listed in 1991.

Scott and Wilson Houses District

The Scott and Wilson Houses District includes 324, 328, 330, and 336 South Mill Street in Lexington. This group of historic homes was listed in 1974.

Shelby Family Houses

The Shelby Family Houses are a group of homes southeast of Lexington on Richmond Road, Shelby Lane, and Jacks Creek Pike. This family's historic properties were listed as a district in 1978.

South Hill Historic District

The South Hill Historic District is roughly bounded by South Broadway, West High, South Limestone, and Pine Streets in Lexington. This historic residential area was listed in 1978.

Southeast Lexington Residential and Commercial District

The Southeast Lexington Residential and Commercial District is roughly bounded by High Street, Rose Lane, and Lexington and Woodland Avenues. This area combines homes and businesses. It was listed in 1984.

Victorian Commercial Block

The Victorian Commercial Block is bounded by Broadway, Main, Short, and Spring Streets in Lexington. This area features many historic commercial buildings from the Victorian era. It was listed in 1978.

West Fayette County Rural Historic District

The West Fayette County Rural Historic District is a large rural area roughly bounded by Rice, Van Meter, Elk Chester, Yarnallton, Leestown, and Viley Roads, and U.S. Route 60. This district was listed in 1991.

West High Street Historic District

The West High Street Historic District includes the northern side of the 100-300 blocks of West High Street in Lexington. This historic residential area was listed in 1969.

Western Suburb Historic District

The Western Suburb Historic District follows an irregular pattern along West Short Street from Saunter to Kentucky Route 922 in Lexington. This historic neighborhood was listed in 1976.

Woodlands Historic District

The Woodlands Historic District is roughly bounded by Main and High Streets, Ashland and Woodland Avenues in Lexington. This residential area was listed in 1983.

Woodward Heights Neighborhood Historic District

The Woodward Heights Neighborhood Historic District is roughly bounded by High, Merino, and Pine Streets in Lexington. This historic neighborhood was listed in 1980.

Places That Were Once Listed

Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is torn down, or if it changes so much that it no longer has its historic character.

Augustus Hall House

The Augustus Hall House was at 165 Barr Street in Lexington. It was listed in 1978 but was later removed from the Register.

Hathaway Houses

The Hathaway Houses were a group of homes at 760-766 Pine Street in Lexington. They were listed in 1978 but were later removed.

Milton Sanchez Storage Warehouse

The Milton Sanchez Storage Warehouse was on Merino Street in Lexington. It was listed in 1980 but was removed in 1982.