Lexington, Kentucky, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Lexington, Kentucky, is preparing for a grand celebration of its 250th anniversary in 2025. A documentary titled ‘Lexington: 250 Years’ produced by Kentucky Educational Television will premiere on October 13, 2025, at the Kentucky Theatre. The film, narrated by a local actor, explores the city’s rich history, significant events, and key figures from its founding in 1775 to the present, capturing its evolution and notable contributions to Kentucky and the nation.
Lexington, Kentucky, is gearing up for a grand celebration as it marks its 250th anniversary in 2025. To honor this significant milestone, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) is producing a documentary titled “Lexington: 250 Years,” which will delve into the city’s rich history and notable events.
The premiere screening of this documentary is scheduled for October 13, 2025, at the historic Kentucky Theatre, which has been a community fixture since 1921. The screening is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show commencing at 7 p.m. Following its debut, the documentary will air statewide on KET in three episodes starting from October 20, 2025.
Narrated by actor Josh Hopkins, a native of Lexington, the documentary explores the city’s beginnings along the banks of Town Branch Creek and chronicles key historical events that have shaped its identity. This includes significant moments such as the Civil War, the Great Depression, and both World Wars.
The film highlights important figures from Lexington’s past, including Henry Clay and Mary Todd Lincoln. Producer Tom Bickel aimed to visually portray Lexington’s history through illustrations and photographs, presenting its evolution from its founding in 1775 to modern times.
In addition to major historical events, the documentary recounts fascinating stories, such as Ed West’s steam engine demonstration and the invention of the Dewabout, which was the first car produced in Lexington. The city has long been recognized as a center of commerce and education, even before Kentucky attained statehood. Noteworthy educational institutions founded in Lexington include Transylvania University in 1780 and the University of Kentucky in 1865.
Lexington’s economy has developed around a variety of industries, including bourbon production, healthcare, and biotechnology. The city is also celebrated for its horse racing, earning the title of the “Horse Capital of the World.” Notable landmarks include Rupp Arena, which opened in 1976 and was built as the world’s largest indoor arena specifically for the University of Kentucky’s basketball team.
Further reflecting its storied past, Kentucky is home to a range of cultural milestones. The first newspaper, the Kentucke Gazette, was established in 1787, and the first theater followed in 1808. Despite its rich cultural heritage, Lexington also holds a legacy tied to slavery, having been a significant location in the slave trade prior to the Civil War. Henry Tandy Centennial Park, previously known as Cheapside Park, served as a major marketplace for the slave trade.
Among its early business developments, the Valley View Ferry, established in 1780, is recognized as the oldest continually operating business in Kentucky. The local economy also saw the establishment of the Lebanon & Ohio Railroad in 1830, marking the city’s involvement in the railroad industry. Additionally, Bluegrass Airport, which opened in 1933, now accommodates over one million passengers each year.
As Lexington prepares for this momentous celebration, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to reflect on the city’s vibrant history, rich traditions, and significant contributions to the state of Kentucky and the nation.
FAQ
- What anniversary is Lexington celebrating in 2025?
- Lexington is celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2025.
- When will the documentary “Lexington: 250 Years” premiere?
- The documentary will premiere on October 13, 2025.
- Where will the screening take place?
- The screening will take place at the Kentucky Theatre.
- What time will the doors open for the documentary premiere?
- Doors will open at 6 p.m.
- When will the documentary air statewide on KET?
- The documentary will air statewide on KET on October 20, 2025.
- Who narrates the documentary?
- The documentary is narrated by actor Josh Hopkins, a native of Lexington.
- What significant historical events are covered in the documentary?
- The documentary covers events including the Civil War, the Great Depression, and both World Wars.
- What educational institutions were founded in Lexington?
- Transylvania University was established in 1780 and the University of Kentucky in 1865.
- What is Lexington known for?
- Lexington is known for its commerce, education, bourbon production, healthcare, biotechnology, and horse racing.
Key Features of Lexington
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1775 |
| 250th Anniversary | 2025 |
| Premiere of Documentary | October 13, 2025 |
| Educational Institutions | Transylvania University (1780), University of Kentucky (1865) |
| Historic Events Covered | Civil War, Great Depression, World Wars |
| Known For | Bourbon production, healthcare, horse racing |
| Historic Landmark | Kentucky Theatre (1921) |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Lantern: Lexington’s History Chronicled in New KET Documentary Series
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: Know Your Kentucky
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: Local News
- Google Scholar: Lexington Kentucky History
- Kentucky.com: Another Know Your Kentucky Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County
- Google News: Lexington Documentary
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
