Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate
Stately 19th century home & grounds of famed statesman Henry Clay. Tour the mansion, shop in the museum store, or explore the 17-acre grounds, featuring a Civil War monument and walking trails.
If signs could talk, one such sign at Ashland has a very dark legacy that Whitaker says needs to be talked about. It’s a legacy of enslavement. Read on to learn more.
What to Expect to
Explore the 18-room mansion of a famous statesman and his family with guided tours that give deeper context to Henry Clay’s legacy and American History. Enjoy a variety of narrated tour options with themes that vary by day of the week, including Women’s Voices and Traces: Slavery at Ashland.
The estate is a National Historic Landmark with historic outbuildings, gardens, trees, and walking trails. It is also home to an onsite museum store that sells gifts and keepsakes.
The Ginkgo Tree Cafe serves sandwiches and snacks on the brick patio, open seasonally. Take advantage of a beautiful day outdoors by walking on one of the outdoor paths that wind among the blue ash and paper birch trees. The grounds are a true “museum without walls.”
Tour Options
Explore the home and estate of Henry Clay, a famed Kentucky statesman and United States political leader. Enjoy narrated tours of the house and its 17 acres to learn more about the life of this abolitionist, Whig Party leader, and US Secretary of State.
See Clay artifacts spanning 5 generations and experience the interior of this 18-room Italianate mansion rebuilt as a testament to Clay by his family. Choose the Signature Tour or go for a more in-depth look at slavery and social history on either the Women’s Voices or Traces tour.
Kentucky horse country is famous for its beautiful landscape, but the farms and horse-related sites also have a rich history. Take a scenic drive on one of the local country roads to see old graveyards, beautiful horse farms, and historic buildings. A must-see place!
Admission
A variety of narrated tours are offered to explore this 18-room mansion museum and the legacy of Henry Clay. Tours cover everything from the dining room to bedrooms highlighting important events in American History.
Originally designed by Benjamin Latrobe, architect of the United States Capitol, and Pope Villa, Ashland underwent many changes in design with each generation of Clays adding to the home. This resulted in a unique mix of Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate architectural styles throughout the home.
Traces: Slavery at Ashland allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of the men, women, and children enslaved on the property and learn about their lives and experiences. This indoor/outdoor tour also pays tribute to those who resisted bondage.
Parking
Ashland is the estate of 19th-century statesman Henry Clay and a National Historic Landmark. Tours explore the 18-room mansion and provide deeper context to Clay’s legacy and American history.
Visitors can see family artifacts from five generations of Clay at the home and wander its 17 acres including historic outbuildings, gardens, trees, and walking paths. Afterward, visit the Museum Store and grab a bite to eat at the Ginkgo Tree Cafe (open seasonally).
During his lifetime, Clay was one of America’s most prominent politicians, serving as Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, and running three times for president. His home at Ashland served as a model for the Kentucky University that later became Kentucky Agricultural and Mechanical College. The estate remained in the hands of the Clay family until 1950 when it became a historic house museum.
Restaurant
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Ashland is the historic home of famed 19th-century statesman Henry Clay. The estate is a National Historic Landmark, and visitors can tour the house and explore the grounds.
The property is a 17-acre estate with historic outbuildings, gardens, trees, and walking paths. The mansion itself is filled with Clay family artifacts from five generations of family members. Guided tours include the Signature Tour, as well as special offerings like Women’s Voices and Traces: Slavery at Ashland.
During these tours, you will learn about the people who lived on the property, such as Madeline McDowell Breckinridge. One room in the house is dedicated to her memory, as she was a suffragette who fought for women’s rights. The tour also touches on the 122 people enslaved at the property. Click here for the next blog post.
Driving directions from Integrity Curb Appeal to Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate
Driving directions from Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate to Cardinal Run Park South