Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

George Washington

1732 - 1799

Photographed by Ken Smith, July 12, 2012

1. George Washington Marker

Inscription. The first President of the United States was an avid horseman and outdoorsman, as befit his era, and he at times was a participant in horse racing. The cherished tale of his Magnolia running against a horse owned by Thomas Jefferson was refuted by historians, but Magnolia was, in fact, a race horse owned by Gen. Washington. Alas, he was not a very successful one, although, being a politician as well as a horse trader, Washington wrote to Light Horse Harry Lee that the horse "is in high health, spirits, and flesh (and) can be delivered in high order." Washington was trading Magnolia to Lee for "5000 acres of Kentucke Land."

Many of the emerging towns and cities along the East Coast had race courses, and Washington attended these with some frequency. His lament that he was "a consistent and persistent looser" at the Annapolis races of 1862 was often quoted. On occasion, Washington served as an official at race meetings, and his diary has references to enjoying the social aspect of racing as well, with such notes as "dined at the Coffee House with the (Maryland) Jockey Club."

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Sports.

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In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 38° 2.509′ N, 84° 29.375′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. It 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.

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: William S. Farish (here, next to this marker); John S. Knight (here, next to this marker); Lexington (a few steps from this marker); Robert A. Alexander (a few steps from this marker); William T. Young (a few steps from this marker); Sam Hildreth (a few steps from this marker); John W. Galbreath (within shouting distance of this marker); Harry Payne Whitney (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

More about this marker. This historical marker either puts the Annapolis Races or George Washington in the wrong century! 1762 makes more sense.

Photographed by Ken Smith, July 12, 2012

2. George Washington Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,230 times since then and 77 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.