The Henry Clay Estate

Tour this 18 room mansion museum, the former home of a renowned statesman.

This is an early 19th-century plantation home. Henry Clay first came to Lexington, Kentucky, from Virginia in 1797 and began buying land outside of the city to build his plantation in 1804. He eventually owned over 672 acres and called the plantation "Ashland" in 1809. Henry Clay grew hemp, tobacco, and grain. He also imported and bred Merino sheep and other livestock. Henry Clay was also a statesman and politician, so he was often in our nation's capital. Clay lived at Ashland with his family until he died in 1852, and his widow moved out in 1854.

The site is now a National Historic Landmark and museum and features immaculate grounds and gardens. Visitors can come and tour the mansion to see Clay family artifacts from 5 generations of family members. The docents tell visitors about their life and legacy throughout the tour. This expansive 17-acre estate has historic outbuildings, gardens, trees, and walking paths. The museum store is full of gifts, books, and other items, and its hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Also onsite is the Ginkgo Tree Café, which is open seasonally. It has a patio area where visitors can enjoy a meal before or after the tour. Menu options include sandwiches, salads, soups, drinks, and desserts.