Lexington toponymy: The origin of local places named after horses
Man o’ War has always been a celebrity. | Photo provided by the Keeneland Library Collection
What’s in a name? As it turns out, quite a lot.
We’re indulging in some Lexington local toponymy, the study of place names. Specifically places named after famous horses.
Hamburg
A hundred or so years ago, Hamburg Pavillion was a breeding farm — Hamburg Place. John E. Madden named the property after the horse that financed the purchase.
Read more about the streets named in honor of thoroughbred history.
Elmendorf
Speaking of Hamburg and breeding farms, Hamburg the horse was bred at Elmendorf Farm. Various streets are named for this farm, but why Elmendorf? Apparently, the owner named it for his wife’s paternal grandmother, Blanche Elmendorf.
Man o’War
Next time you drive down Man o’ War Boulevard, think of “the most famous Thoroughbred who ever lived.”Did you know? Man o’ War was so named by the owner’s wife in honor of her husband joining the war effort.
Oliver Lewis
The Newtown Pike Extension got its name from a city-wide contest in 2010, but who is Oliver Lewis? He was the jockey who rode Aristides and won the first Kentucky Derby. Such an iconic win that Aristides also has a road named after him.
We know there are many more places with historical horse names around Lexington. Let us know what we missed by adding a point to our map.
Events
Thursday, Oct. 3
“Sun Boxes” A Sound Bath Installation | Thursday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 6 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate | Free | Unwind in this serene + solar-powered soundscape.
Walk With a Doc | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5:15-6:15 p.m. | The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky | Free | Take steps toward a healthier lifestyle by participating in this weekly walk with local physicians.
Friday, Oct. 4
Keeneland Fall Meet Kick Off | Friday, Oct. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Company | Free, price of purchase | Sip local brews while you move and groove to free dance lessons from The Salsa Center.
“A Dish Best Served Cold” Premier | Friday, Oct. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center | $17.85 | See the new feature film from Tolleywood Studios at this interactive experience featuring a musical overture, food, and drinks.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Stargazing | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary | Free | Take a closer look at the night sky with the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club — this event is weather-dependent.
Sunday, Oct. 6
Tunes in the Vines | Sunday, Oct. 6 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Equus Run Vineyards, Midway | Free | This pet + family-friendly afternoon will have you immersed in the rolling hills of horse country, sipping drinks fresh from the vineyard and distillery while vibing to local musicians.
$4.7 million. The amount the University of Kentucky and Texas Christian University received to study overdose risk among women in the justice system. Some of the research will take place at two women’s prisons in the state. (UKNOW)
Sports
The NCAA announced that the University of Kentucky will host the 2028 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field First Round. See the other NCAA championships scheduled to be held in Lexington.
Community
If you need to do some home repairs after the storm, don’t forget about the Lexington Tool Library. Open Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., the pay-what-you-can service has saws, drills, shovels, and even a big backup battery. Check the inventory.
Cause
Appalachian Regional Healthcare is accepting donations to help victims of Hurricane Helene. Drop off donations like baby formula + canned food on weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 11. Know any other local orgs collecting donations? Let us know.
Civic
Are you registered to vote? Monday, Oct. 7 is the last day to register. Check your information or register to vote online by 4 p.m. Use our election guide for more important upcoming voting-related deadlines.
Lexingtonian
Lexington Legends’ own Mighty Lex has won 2024 Mascot of the Year. Was it the mustache or the knowing wink? Either way, he is beloved for his home game antics and appearances at charity events.
Award
WEKU received four Kentucky Broadcasters Association Excellence Awards — making it the only Lexington radio station honored this year. Read up on all the wins.
Plan Ahead
Prost, Lexington: Chez Lyndon and Lexington Brewing have partnered to create a craft beer and gourmet food pairing that melds German fare with local beer to celebrate Oktoberfest. Reserve on OpenTable or call 859-420-2683 to join the festivities on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.*
The YMCA is also accepting candy donations until Friday, Oct. 18. | Photo courtesy of the YMCA of Central Kentucky
Looking for a way to celebrate Halloween without the scares? Here are three kid-friendly Halloween events in Lexington this month.
Trunk or Treat
Get the kids in their costumes and head to the Whitaker Family YMCA on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. In addition to decorated trunks, there will be inflatables and best costume contests.
From Thursday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 27, McConnell Springs Park will be aglow with pumpkins. There will be marshmallow roasting + owl demonstrations. Admission is $6.
Pro tip: On Monday, Oct. 28, the trail will be open for free. No events, but no cost either.
Halloween Parade
Don’t miss out on all the thrills that downtown has to offer Sunday, Oct. 20. The Festival + Variety Show begin at 5 p.m., followed by the fan-favorite Thriller and Halloween parade at 6:30 p.m.
Pro tip: The later evening events might be better for older kids.
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