Near Richmond in Madison County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
“Lion of White Hall”
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 23, 2022
1. “Lion of White Hall” Marker
Inscription.
“Lion of White Hall”. . West of here is White Hall, home of Cassius M. Clay (1810-1903). For a half century, Clay was a “firebrand” in American life. Fearless abolitionist, publisher of anti-slavery paper, The True American, captain in the Mexican War, legislator and Minister to Russia. When Ft. Sumter fell, he organized civilian guard for U.S. Capitol until army could protect.
West of here is White Hall, home of Cassius M. Clay (1810-1903). For a half century, Clay was a “firebrand” in American life. Fearless abolitionist, publisher of anti-slavery paper, The True American, captain in the Mexican War, legislator and Minister to Russia. When Ft. Sumter fell, he organized civilian guard for U.S. Capitol until army could protect.
Erected 1962 by Kentucky Historical Society • Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 533.)
Location. 37° 50.573′ N, 84° 19.935′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Kentucky, in Madison County. Marker is on White Hall Shrine Road (Kentucky Route 3055) 0.1 miles west of U.S. 421, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond KY 40475, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 23, 2022
2. “Lion of White Hall” Marker
Matthew Brady via Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (Public Domain)
3. Cassius Marcellus Clay (1810-1903)
Nearly killed twice for his fervent opposition to slavery, he helped secure Russian support for the Union during the Civil War. He also was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 23, 2022
4. White Hall
Green Clay, father of Cassius Marcellus Clay, built the original Georgian mansion in 1791. During Cassius Clay's time as the U.S. ambassador to Russia in the 1860s, his wife Mary Jane oversaw construction of a major Italianate addition to the house. Their daughters were active in the woman's suffrage movement, with Laura becoming the first woman nominated by a political party for President of the United States. The house now is owned by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and operated as an historic site.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on November 15, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 25, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.