Lexington Fayette, Kentucky

Lexington Fayette is the second-largest city in Kentucky located in north-central Kentucky. According to the 2020 census, the population of Lexington Fayette was 323,152 people. The city is the county seat of Fayette County and is located along the Kentucky River.

History

Lexington Fayette was founded in 1775, shortly before the Revolutionary War. The city was named after the colonial town of Lexington, Massachusetts. One of the key early events in Lexington’s history was the Battle of Lexington in 1787 between settlers and Native Americans.

During the 1800s, Lexington Fayette emerged as a center of commerce and culture in the region. It was known for its institutions of higher education, prosperous farms and plantations. The city was a major center for the hemp industry and slave trading. After the Civil War, tobacco and bourbon distilling became major industries.

The city continued to grow into the 20th century, though its economy went through periods of change as agricultural activities declined. Today, Lexington Fayette is home to the University of Kentucky and the site of major healthcare and technology employers.

Economy

Some of the major industries and employers in Lexington Fayette include:

• Healthcare – Major employers include University of Kentucky Healthcare, Baptist Health Lexington, St. Joseph Health System, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.
• Education – The University of Kentucky and Transylvania University are located in Lexington. There are also several smaller colleges and trade schools.
• Technology – Lexmark International and Hewlett Packard both have a major presence in the city.
• Government – As the county seat, many Fayette County government offices are located in Lexington.
• Manufacturing – Lexington has a diverse manufacturing base, including automotive suppliers, food processing, distilleries, and pharmaceuticals.
• Horse breeding and racing – Lexington is at the heart of the Bluegrass region, known for thoroughbred horse breeding. Major employers include farms like Coolmore and race tracks like Keeneland.

For more information on economic development in Lexington Fayette, visit the Lexington Economic Development Authority website.

Attractions and Landmarks

Popular attractions and landmarks in Lexington Fayette include:

Rupp Arena

Rupp Arena is a large indoor arena located at 430 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507. It is home to the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team and also hosts major concerts and events. Website. GPS coordinates: 38.040583, -84.494192.

Keeneland Race Course

Keeneland Race Course is a Thoroughbred horse racing track located at 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510. It hosts racing meets in April and October. Website. GPS coordinates: 38.070278, -84.602222.

Aviation Museum of Kentucky

This aviation history museum is located at 4029 Airport Rd, Lexington, KY 40510. It has exhibits on Kentucky’s aviation pioneers and artifacts. Website. GPS coordinates: 38.042778, -84.605.

Mary Todd Lincoln House

This historic home at 578 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 was the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln. It is now a museum. Website.

The Lexington Cemetery

This historic cemetery located at 833 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40508 dates back to 1849 and is the burial site for famous Kentuckians like statesman Henry Clay. Website.

University of Kentucky Arboretum

Located at 500 Alumni Dr, Lexington, KY 40503, the University of Kentucky Arboretum has over 1,000 species of trees and woody plants. Website.

Public Transportation

The main public transportation system in Lexington Fayette is Lextran, which provides bus service throughout the city. More information can be found on the Lextran website.

Sports Teams

The University of Kentucky Wildcats are the main sports team in Lexington. They compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference for football, basketball, baseball and various other varsity sports. Visit the UK Athletics website for more information.

Lexington also has several minor league and amateur sports teams such as:

• Lexington Legends – Minor league baseball team
• Lexington Sporting Club – Amateur soccer club
• Lexington Horsemen – Indoor football team

Museums

Popular museums in Lexington Fayette include:

• University of Kentucky Art Museum – Has a collection of over 5000 objects ranging from old master to contemporary art.
• Lexington History Museum – Explores the history and heritage of Lexington Fayette.
• International Museum of the Horse – Learn about the history of horses and their relationship to human civilization.
• Aviation Museum of Kentucky – Focuses on aviation history, pioneers and artifacts.

Public Library

The Lexington Public Library system includes several branch locations throughout the city. The main Central Library is located at 140 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507. More information can be found on the Lexington Public Library website.

County Information

Lexington Fayette is located within Fayette County, Kentucky. The Fayette County government website can be found here: https://www.lexingtonky.gov. The address for the Fayette County Administration Building is 200 E Main St #301, Lexington, KY 40507. Phone: (859) 425-2255.

School Districts

Public schools in Lexington Fayette are managed by Fayette County Public Schools. The district website is https://www.fcps.net/. There are also several private and parochial school options in Lexington.

Local Resources

Some other useful local resources and websites include:

• VisitLEX – Tourism website with info on local attractions, hotels, events and more.
• Commerce Lexington – Chamber of commerce representing Lexington Fayette businesses.
• City of Lexington Facebook – Official city government Facebook page.
• Kentucky Horse Park – Major horse park and event facility.
• Lexington Convention Center – Large convention and event venue downtown.

Map of Lexington Fayette