Ashland, Historic plantation and National Historic Landmark in Lexington, United States.
Description
Ashland is an Italianate mansion on an 18-acre estate in Lexington with period furnishings, formal gardens, and architectural features dating from the 1850s. The building showcases tall rooms, ornate details, and sweeping porches that reflect the wealth of its era.
History
Henry Clay, an influential U.S. Senator and Speaker of the House, acquired the estate in 1806 and retained it until his death in 1852. The property served as his home during crucial years when he negotiated major political agreements.
Culture
The house holds belongings and papers of the Clay family, showing how wealthy politicians of the early 19th century lived and conducted their affairs. The rooms tell the story of everyday life among people who shaped national politics.
Practical
The house is open to visitors through guided tours offered throughout the year. Plan time to explore both the building and its grounds, as hours change seasonally and some sections may have restricted access.
Did you know?
The gardens contain plant species that were grown there in the 19th century and remain maintained as they were then. Walking through them reveals how gardeners of that era organized and selected their plantings differently than today.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Lexington).
Kentucky combines natural areas and historical places in ways that tell the story of the state. Cave systems run beneath the earth, including Mammoth Cave, one of the world's largest. Rivers cut through gorges and valleys, creating waterfalls like Cumberland Falls and rock formations that draw...
Kroger Field
2.3 km
Lexington Financial Center
2.7 kmStoll Field/McLean Stadium
2.2 km
CentrePointe, Lexington
2.5 km
University of Kentucky Arboretum
2.6 km
Singletary Center for the Arts
2.1 km
First African Baptist Church
2.5 km
Pope Villa
1.8 km
Patterson Office Tower
2.6 km
Memorial Hall
2.5 km
Lexington History Center
2.6 km
Cathedral of Christ the King
958 m
Lyric Theatre
2.1 km
Fayette National Bank Building
2.6 km
Main Building
2.5 kmKentucky Association
2 km
United States Post Office and Court House
2.3 km
Park Plaza Apartments
2.4 km
First Presbyterian Church
2.7 km
Second Presbyterian Church
1.5 km
Nannine Clay Wallis Arboretum
1.8 km
Odd Fellows Temple
2.5 kmFayette Safety Vault and Trust Company Building
2.7 km
Abraham Barton House
2.6 km
Lexington Herald Building
2.3 km
Lexington Public Library
2.4 km
Living Arts and Science Center
2.4 km
Lexington City National Bank Building
2.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes