Woodward Heights in Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Historic Botherum
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021
1. Historic Botherum Marker (Side A)
Major Madison C. Johnson, a lawyer and friend of Henry Clay, commissioned Lexington architect John McMurtry to construct Botherum in 1851. The house is a combination of Greek and Gothic Revival styles, resulting in a unique cottage. It was also a shrine to Johnson's late wife, Sally Ann, sister of emancipationist Cassius M. Clay, who served as Pres. Lincoln's minister to Russia.
The original estate included 30 acres on the edge of Lexington. In the l880s it was subdivided into lots for the Woodward Heights neighborhood. Located in a town once called "The Athens of the West," this home is a testament to the legacy of Kentucky's 19th century statesmen and their passion for the classic architectural styles.
Erected 2015 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2477.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 38° 2.991′ N, 84° 30.423′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. It is in Woodward Heights. It is on Madison Place south of West High Street (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Land (approx. 0.2 miles away); Todd House (approx. Ό mile away); Lexington Historic Distillery District (approx. Ό mile away); Vertner Woodson Tandy (approx. Ό mile away); Mary Todd Lincoln House (approx. Ό mile away); First Race Course (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pioneer Burying Ground (approx. 0.3 miles away); Town Branch (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Also see . . .
1. Botherum House. Nov. 22, 2016 video report on the historic house by Kentucky Educational Television. (Submitted on March 31, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Asset Detail | Woodward Heights Neighborhood Historic District (PDF). National Register of Historic Places inventory-nomination form and photographs of the district, which includes Botherum. From the National Park Service's NP Gallery digital archive. (Submitted on March 31, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021
2. Historic Botherum Marker (Side B)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021
3. Historic Botherum Marker
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021
4. Historic Botherum
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 556 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 31, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
