VisitLex has created an opportunity for locals to learn more about Lexington’s courageous activists + community leaders through its immersive African American Heritage Tour.
One of the organization’s self-guided tours, the experience exists as a digital pass you can access straight on your phone’s home screen. Pro tip: Allow location sharing so you can discover the historical gems around you + check-in at each stop.
The tour features 78 historically significant spots + is divided into four legs: Northside, East End, Jefferson Street, and South Hill. As you take your time walking through town, history comes to life thanks to narration by local historian Dr. Yvonne Giles.
Let’s take a look at a few of the recognizable (and some unrecognizable) places on the tour.
Northside
Located near North Broadway, this part of town is filled with stories of historical Black figures including the first Black woman to become a licensed physician in Lexington + the Haydens, who escaped enslavement through the Underground Railroad.
- Duncan House and Park
- Rose Hill/Brand House
- Russell School Apartments
East End
Considered one of the most historic African American neighborhoods in Lexington, this area was once the epicenter of the horse racing industry. The East End was home to jockeys, nationally recognized musicians, and businesspeople. Highlights include:
- Palmer Pharmacy
- African Cemetery No. 2
- The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center
Jefferson Street,
Those who were enslaved, and later domestic servants, often navigated the narrow paths + alleys between the large homes in Lexington’s oldest suburb. Highlights include:
- Ballard Street
- Harriet Beecher Stowe Marble Home
- St. Joseph Hospital
South Hill
This historic Free Black neighborhood is where you’ll find the homes of some of the most influential African American community members throughout Lexington’s history. Highlights include:
- Clark Family House
- Oldham Family Home
- Rokesby Hall Carriage House
