Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Robert J. Kleberg, Jr.
(1896 - 1947)
Kleberg was a grandson of Captain Richard King, who had heeded Robert E. Lee's personal advice to "buy land and never sell." King Ranch grew to more than eleven million acres of Texas land. Kleberg became its president in 1932, and although he diversified into oil and acquired lands in South America and Australia, he always regarded the cattle business as King Ranch's fundamental mission. He developed the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle and was instrumental in the development of the American Quarter House.
Kleberg's Thoroughbreds included Triple Crown winner Assault and Kentucky Derby winner Middleground. Among the family's numerous descendants involved in racing, a granddaughter, Helen Alexander, succeeded Kleberg in managing the King Ranch Thoroughbred division.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. 38° 2.523′ N, 84° 29.413′ 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Leslie Combs II (here, next to this marker); C. V. Whitney (here, next to this marker); Paul Mellon (here, next to this marker); Elizabeth Arden Graham (a few steps from this marker); Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt (a few steps from this marker); Lucille Parker Markey (a few steps from this marker); HRM Queen Elizabeth II (a few steps from this marker); Ogden Phipps (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 611 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.