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 citywide contest, but who is Oliver Lewis? He was the jockey who rode Aristides and won the first Kentucky Derby. It was 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.
