Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Andrew Jackson
1767 - 1845
Photographed By Ken Smith, July 12, 2012
1. Andrew Jackson Marker
Inscription.
Andrew Jackson. George Washington's diary included references to attending horse racing and Thomas Jefferson was also an avid horseman. Their interest, however, could hardly match that of Andrew Jackson, who stabled some of his race horses on the White House Grounds during his presidency. While Jackson's fame in America rightly comes from service as President, general, and jurist, he was also a sportsman throughout life. When he moved westward from North Carolina, he at one time conceived of building a race track in Natchez, Mississippi. After his career took him instead to Nashville, Tennessee, Jackson was a partner in reviving the course at Clover Bottom. He was such an astute horseman that when he saw Truxton defeated by Greyhound he recognized the former was under-trained, so he bought Truxton and challenged for a rematch. Gen. Jackson won his bet of $5,000, including $1,500 worth of men's apparel. Jackson's best horses at one stage were defeated by Capt. Jessie Haynie's mare Maria. Late in life, when asked if he had ever failed in any cause he embraced, the former President replied, "Nothing that I can remember, except Haynie's Maria. I could not beat her."
George Washington's diary included references to attending horse racing and Thomas Jefferson was also an avid horseman. Their interest, however, could hardly match that of Andrew Jackson, who stabled some of his race horses on the White House Grounds during his presidency. While Jackson's fame in America rightly comes from service as President, general, and jurist, he was also a sportsman throughout life. When he moved westward from North Carolina, he at one time conceived of building a race track in Natchez, Mississippi. After his career took him instead to Nashville, Tennessee, Jackson was a partner in reviving the course at Clover Bottom. He was such an astute horseman that when he saw Truxton defeated by Greyhound he recognized the former was under-trained, so he bought Truxton and challenged for a rematch. Gen. Jackson won his bet of $5,000, including $1,500 worth of men's apparel. Jackson's best horses at one stage were defeated by Capt. Jessie Haynie's mare Maria. Late in life, when asked if he had ever failed in any cause he embraced, the former President replied, "Nothing that I can remember, except Haynie's Maria. I could not beat her."
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment
Location. 38° 2.502′ N, 84° 29.4′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 60) and Midland Avenue (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling west. Located in Thoroughbred Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Midland Avenue, Lexington KY 40508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 735 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. 2. submitted on August 12, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
