Ashland was Henry Clay’s family’s cherished home for nearly half a century. His historic estate has been preserved for your discovery today.
The Story of Ashland
Henry Clay deeply loved Ashland, the farm and home he built. It provided a place of refuge and sanctuary from a difficult and often disappointing world, and it was one of the few places where Clay regularly found happiness. For his descendants, Ashland was a place of great reverence and inspiration. For students and regents of Kentucky University and the Agricultural and Mechanical College, it was a place of learning and growth. Today, visitors see Ashland as a place of great history, pride, and awe.
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Henry Clay's Land
In 1804, Henry Clay began to acquire land for a farm for his young family. By 1809, the center block of his new home was complete, and Clay was residing on the farm he named Ashland for the abundant ash trees.
By 1811, he had expanded the home into a five-part Federal structure with designs from Benjamin Latrobe. Clay and his wife, Lucretia, lived at Ashland until his death in 1852.
James Clay's Reconstruction
After Henry Clay’s death, his son James found the mansion in disrepair. He decided to raze and rebuild it, preserving the original foundation and floor plan. James incorporated Italianate, Greek Revival, and Victorian details, creating a memorial to his father.
Civil War
The Civil War was a traumatic period for Ashland. In 1862, Confederate raider John Hunt Morgan attacked Union troops encamped at Ashland, leading to a brief but intense battle. Henry Clay’s son, James, a Confederate sympathizer, fled the state, leaving Ashland temporarily out of family hands.
Kentucky University
In 1866, John Bryan Bowman purchased Ashland to become part of the new Kentucky University. Bowman used the home as a residence and a museum.
Despite initial success, his relationship with the University’s Board deteriorated, and he was fired in 1878. The property was rented out until 1882 when it was sold back to the Clay family.
His tenure was marked by involvement in key national issues such as the Missouri Compromise, the banking debate, and the American System. His leadership and ability to navigate complex political landscapes made him a central figure in American politics.
The McDowell Family
Henry Clay’s granddaughter, Anne Clay McDowell, and her husband returned Ashland to family ownership. They renovated and modernized the home while preserving its historical integrity.
Their daughter, Nannette McDowell Bullock, later took possession of Ashland and played a key role in preserving it for future generations.
In 1950, Ashland was dedicated as a historic house museum.
Ashland in the 21st Century
The estate includes original structures such as the Keepers Cottage, smokehouse, and icehouse/dairy cellar system.
The current mansion, rebuilt by James Clay in 1857, retains its original Federal structure while incorporating Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian elements added by James Clay and Anne McDowell.
Today, Ashland is a beloved historic site, cherished by the community and visitors alike. The estate serves as a cultural and educational hub, hosting a variety of events, tours, and programs that celebrate its rich history and heritage.
Visitors can stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens, explore the meticulously preserved mansion, and learn about the lives of those who lived and worked at Ashland.
The estate continues to be a place of reflection, inspiration, and discovery, honoring Henry Clay’s legacy and providing a tangible connection to the past.
Ashland is not only a museum but a vibrant part of the Lexington community, enjoyed by neighbors and tourists from around the world.
