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Historic house · Lexington, Kentucky
Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
House and gardens of politician Henry Clay, one of the most influential names in the U.S. Congress in the first half of the 19th century, in a tree-lined Lexington neighborhood.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
Henry Clay lived at Ashland in Lexington from 1811 until his death in 1852. A lawyer, congressman, senator and secretary of state, he was one of the most influential politicians in the United States before the Civil War and was known for the negotiations that sought to avert the nation’s division.
The current house was rebuilt by his son in the 1850s on the foundations of the original home, and it preserves the family’s furniture and objects. Guided tours go through the rooms and also address the enslaved people who worked on the property.
The gardens, with formal beds and old trees, and the surrounding lawn are open for walking. The property is in a tree-lined residential neighborhood, a few minutes from downtown.
Ashland helps to understand 19th-century Kentucky, between national politics and the rural life of the Bluegrass.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour, with the guided tour.
Best time
In spring, when the gardens are in bloom, and on autumn mornings.
How to get there
It’s on Sycamore Road, about 3 km southeast of downtown Lexington by car or rideshare.
Tip
Guided tours have fixed times and small groups: book in advance on weekends.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
Who was Henry Clay?
A Kentucky lawyer and politician who served as congressman, senator and secretary of state in the first half of the 19th century. He lived at Ashland in Lexington.
Is the Ashland house the original?
Not exactly: it was rebuilt by Clay’s son in the 1850s on the foundations of the original house, and it preserves family objects.
Do you need to reserve the Ashland visit?
It’s recommended, because guided tours have fixed times and small groups, especially on weekends.