Kentucky - History
Historical Sites
Fayette County - Random Historical Markers
Marker
# 83 Alanant-O-Wamiowee
Site of an ancient buffalo trace carved in the wilderness by prehistoric
animals seeking salt. This trace was
later used by buffalo mound builders, Indians and pioneer settlers. It is also known as “Warrior’s Trace.”
Marker
# 1558 Early Land Grant
At this site, a spring and 900 feet to the west was discovered in 1775 by
Joseph Lindsay, who was killed at the Battle of Blue Licks. The Spring and surrounding 2,000 acres were later surveyed for Evan
Shelby, the father of the first governor of Kentucky. The house on this site, “Lewis
Manor,” was built by Thomas Lewis, in 1800.
Marker
# 864 Fayette County Fountains
These fountains are dedicated to the men and women who
developed
Fayette
County, these fountains were provided by:
Embry’s, Standard Typewriter Co., John G. King, Mrs. Morris Beebe, Sr. Herndon
J. Evans, Lexington Kiwanis Club, Edwin C. Gilson, The Lexington Herald, H.
(Jack) Hagler, The Lexington Leader, Bank of Commerce, WLAP Radio Station, The
Purcell Company, Inc., Central Bank and Trust Company, New Union Building
Association, Mr. and Mrs. Russell des Cognets Jr., Citizens Union Bank and
Trust Company, Second National Bank and Trust Company, Ladies Auxiliary,
Fraternal Order of Police, First Security National Bank and Trust Company.
Marker
# 1163 Fayette
County
Hemp
Hunt and Brand Co. produced the first hemp bagging made in the United States, in 1803. In 1871, 2,000 tons of
fiber were harvested leading in hemp production and cordage making in Kentucky.
Marker
# 1875 James Lane
Allen
James Lane Allen was a honor graduate of Transylvania
University, who later taught there, won an international audience with his nostalgic
stories and novels of Bluegrass region. Allen
was born near Lexington. After his writing became popular,
he moved to New York City. He was buried in The Lexington
Cemetery. In his will he provided
funds for the fountains nearby for the children of the city of Lexington.
Marker
# 1555 Kenton’s Blue Hole
In this valley is a deep spring known as the Blue Hole.
It was discovered in 1775 by William McConnell who built a cabin and
later traded the 400 acre to Simon Kenton, who was known as Simon Butler at that
time. Joseph Frazer then bought it. His son, George built the house, “Rose Hill,” southwest of the
spring.
Marker # 1888 Matthew H. Jouett
(1788-1827)
This master portrait painter, Matthew Harris Jouett was born in Mercer County,
Kentucky, a son of Captain Jack Jouett. He
graduated from
Transylvania
University, studying law under Judge George M. Bibb. He
served in the War of 1812, as paymaster of infantry regiment. Vouchers were lost during battle, thus throwing himself into debt.
After leaving the army he abandoned the practicing of law and devoted
himself to art.
Matthew H. Jouett was known for his ability to paint men, women, and children
well. His entire life, he struggled
to support his large family. He paid
his debt, which incurred during the War of 1812 before his death.
Marker
# 20 Ohio Company of Virginia
Captain Hancock Lee in 1775 was sent on a trip to survey 200,000 acres that
would be acquired lands in the Ohio
Valley.
Marker
# 2153 Polk’s Infirmary/Mammoth Insurance Co.
Dr. John Polk, was an African American physician in Lexington.
Founded in 1915 in the town of Louisville, entitled, Mammoth Life and Accident Insurance Company. It offered employment opportunities and fair rates to the African
American community.
Marker # 1557
Preston’s Cave Spring
The stream in this valley emerges from a cave. It was owned by Colonel William Preston.
Marker # 1784 Silversmith Shop
On this site, was the most noted silversmith of Kentucky. Asa Blanchard, was a goldsmith as
well as a watch and clockmaker.
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