Meet Henry Clay
Who was the Great Compromiser?
Meet Henry ClayAshland - The Henry Clay Estate
Current Exhibit
Supporting the Old Coon: Henry Clay Campaign Memorabilia
March 1 – June 30 2013
Flags like this were mass produced and sold to supporters of Henry Clay and his running mste Theodore Frelinghuysen.
Henry Clay’s party nominated him for the presidency three times: 1824, 1832, and 1844. In the two decades between his first campaign and his last, elections changed dramatically. Most significantly, the law was changed so that presidential electors in the electoral college were selected based on popular vote rather than by state legislature. This created a great deal more public interest in campaigns and supporting candidates. This fueled the creation of memorabilia designed to promote presidential candidates. This new industry produced materials ranging from medals and ribbons to banners and broadsides. Eventually the range of items grew to include glassware, ceramics, personal care devices, alcohol and tobacco related goods, and even timepieces.
Items of each type listed above were created for Henry Clay. Almost nothing was made for 1824 and very little was produced for 1832 but by 1844 a truly staggering assortment was made to promote “Harry of the West”. Ashland has over the years amassed a significant and wide ranging collection of campaign memorabilia. It has never been exhibited together until now.
Explore Ashland
Experience the place Henry Clay declared was "as good as any" Moses would have found in the Promised Land!
Take the Tour!
