News Summary
Lexington, Kentucky, is preparing for an extraordinary celebration in 2025 as it marks its 250th anniversary. The city will spotlight key historical events, iconic landmarks like the First National Bank Building, and the complexities of its past, including its ties to the bourbon industry and the Cheapside Park slave market. Emphasizing local pride and community spirit, Lexington invites residents and visitors alike to appreciate its vibrant history while looking forward to a year filled with festivities.
Celebrating 250 Years of Lexington’s Rich History
Lexington, the heart of Kentucky, is gearing up for a grand celebration as it marks its remarkable 250th anniversary throughout 2025. This vibrant city is not just a place of brick and mortar; it’s a tapestry woven with historic events, famous personalities, and unforgettable memories. To share its fascinating past, special features spotlighting key moments in Lexington’s history will emerge all through the year.
Meet the Iconic First National Bank Building
One of the city’s standout landmarks is the First National Bank Building, a stunning skyscraper that first opened its doors on January 29, 1914. Originally known as the Fayette National Bank Building, this impressive 15-story high-rise on West Main Street was the very first skyscraper to grace Lexington’s skyline. Designed by the acclaimed New York architectural firm McKim, Mead and White, creators of other notable structures like Madison Square Garden and the Boston Public Library, the building was a symbol of progress and innovation.
The vision behind this monumental project came from bank president J. Edward Bassett, who saw the potential for commercial revitalization in the city. With a construction cost ringing in at around $400,000 back in 1914 (which translates to about $12.6 million today), this building was meant to reflect the prominence of the Fayette National Bank, founded in 1870. Upon its opening, locals were thrilled to enjoy the first-ever rooftop elevators, providing breathtaking panoramic views that no one else in Lexington had experienced before.
Sadly, the bank eventually closed, but the building’s legacy continues to thrive as it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A new chapter began in 2012 when the 21c Museum Hotel company acquired the building for approximately $3.1 million and poured about $43 million into renovations. The hotel officially opened in December 2016, boasting 88 elegant hotel rooms, a buzzing restaurant, and inviting museum space.
A Deep Dive Into The City’s Legacy
250 images, reflecting the unforgettable features, celebrated people, and key events that have shaped the city. Highlights from the video include exhilarating moments from University of Kentucky basketball games, electrifying football games, and glimpses of socialite Anita Madden mingling with the legendary Dean Martin, among others. Adding an emotional touch, music for the video was provided by local jazz legend Les McCann, who sadly passed away on December 29, 2023.
Rich Past with a Complicated Legacy
In exploring Lexington’s history, one cannot overlook Cheapside Park, now a popular concert venue that boasts a vibrant summer calendar. However, the park carries a complicated background as it was once the largest slave market in the South. Originally designed as a marketplace in 1781, it grew to significantly impact the city’s development during a somber period. By the Civil War, Lexington hosted over 10,000 enslaved individuals, while just about 1,700 slave owners held them in bondage.
A Taste of Heritage
Steering away from the darker chapters, Lexington is also famous for its intriguing connections to bourbon. The Pepper Distillery, with deep roots in the bourbon industry, revitalized its operations in Lexington’s Distillery District during the 1930s. Today, about 90% of its visitors come from outside of Kentucky, drawn in by the distillery’s rich history and engaging bourbon offerings, making it a hotspot for both locals and tourists alike.
As Lexington dives into this monumental year of celebration, remember that every corner of this city tells a story, every brick has a history, and every event contributes to the rich tapestry of what makes this city so special. So, put on your party hats, Lexington! Here’s to an amazing year ahead as we celebrate 250 fantastic years of this iconic city!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Lexington to Celebrate Its 250th Anniversary in 2025
Leadership Transition Announced at Southland Christian Church
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Know Your Kentucky
- Google Search: Lexington history
- Only In Your State: Kentucky’s Dark History
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Visit Lex: African American History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, Kentucky
- LEX18: James Pepper Distillery
- Google News: Lexington bourbon
- Spectrum News: Lexington Elects First Transgender Councilor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transgender
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER 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.
