Many notable historical figures have strong ties to the state of Kentucky, and many of them have left quite a legacy behind. Our country has been shaped and led by great people and several of those influencers called Kentucky home. One such statesman was Henry Clay, and his beloved home, Ashland, remains an important property in Kentucky. This underrated destination in Lexington is an incredible place to learn about Henry Clay, the history of our state and our country, and it’s also quite possibly the most beautiful museum in Kentucky.
The grand home of lawyer, politician, and farmer Henry Clay has been beautifully preserved and stands as an intriguing museum for us to visit today.
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate Henry Clay was an important statesman who was known as “The Great Compromiser,” and has been named as one of the five greatest U.S. senators of all time. He lived from 1777 to 1852.
His beloved property is a more like a park with colorful gardens, pathways, and a stunning 18-room mansion as the main attraction.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
You can take an hour-long tour of the home and learn the fascinating history of the Clay family and his contributions to our country.
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate For exact tour times and prices, be sure to visit the museum’s website (linked below) as they vary throughout the year.
The grounds of the property are meticulously maintained and free to roam throughout the year.
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Winding paths take you through flowering rose bushes and other picturesque trees and shrubs.
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate When you visit the estate, you’ll want to make time for both the guided tour and your own exploration of the property.
In addition to the gardens, the acreage also features historic outbuildings and a park-like setting.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
You can wander around on a beautiful day and imagine what life was like for the Clay family back in the 1800s.
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
If you get hungry during your visit, enjoy breakfast or lunch al fresco at the Gingko Tree Cafe.
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate The cafe is open Tuesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and serves many delightful menu items such as biscuits, pastries, salads, and sandwiches. The property also hosts a number of events throughout the year, which all make a lovely reason to visit the estate.
“The Great Compromiser” may have excelled at working out agreements when it came to political issues, but he made no compromises when creating this magnificent estate.
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
It now stands as an important part of our state and country’s history and is one of the most beautiful museums in Kentucky.
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Henry Clay was a Kentuckian who played an important role in the shaping of our country, and we honor him today with the preservation of his beautiful home. Have you visited the Henry Clay Estate? What are your other favorite historical places throughout Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!
Facebook/Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Henry Clay was an important statesman who was known as “The Great Compromiser,” and has been named as one of the five greatest U.S. senators of all time. He lived from 1777 to 1852.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
For exact tour times and prices, be sure to visit the museum’s website (linked below) as they vary throughout the year.
When you visit the estate, you’ll want to make time for both the guided tour and your own exploration of the property.
The cafe is open Tuesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and serves many delightful menu items such as biscuits, pastries, salads, and sandwiches. The property also hosts a number of events throughout the year, which all make a lovely reason to visit the estate.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate is located at 120 Sycamore Rd., Lexington, KY 40502. For more information, visit their website here and follow along on Facebook here.
And for another beautiful and historic spot to visit in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.
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