Hunt-Morgan (Hopemont) House, Lexington (must see)
The Hunt鈥揗organ House鈥攁lso known as Hopemont鈥攊s a stunning example of Federal-period architecture nestled in the heart of Lexington鈥檚 charming Gratz Park Historic District. Built in 1814 by John Wesley Hunt, Kentucky鈥檚 first millionaire, the two-story brick mansion is notable for its elegant symmetry, Flemish-bond fa莽ade, arched fanlight doorway, and central Palladian window鈥攁ll hallmarks of the refined architectural taste of the early 19th century. Its graceful proportions and meticulous craftsmanship continue to draw admiring glances from architecture lovers and casual visitors alike.
Beyond its visual appeal, Hopemont carries a rich tapestry of historical stories. The Hunt-Morgan family left a significant mark on American history鈥擩ohn Hunt Morgan, the famed Confederate cavalry leader known as the 鈥淭hunderbolt of the Confederacy,鈥� was raised in the house, and Dr. Thomas Hunt Morgan鈥攂orn here in 1866鈥攂ecame the first Kentuckian honored with a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. On the second floor, the Alexander T. Hunt Civil War Museum offers insights into this turbulent era via letters, uniforms, and artifacts that enrich the narrative of the house.
Saved from demolition in 1955, Hopemont is now lovingly preserved by the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation. Tours take you through beautifully restored period rooms, including a grand cantilevered central staircase, a formal parlor, dining room, and a garden-facing office space鈥攅ach space evoking life in early Lexington. The house also frequently hosts art exhibitions, lectures, and private events, lending it a vibrant, community鈥慶entered spirit.
For tourists exploring historic Lexington, Hopemont is more than a stately relic鈥攊t鈥檚 a gateway into Kentucky鈥檚 past. Its prime location on Mill Street means nearby landmarks and walking paths await just steps away. Whether you鈥檙e drawn by architecture, local history, Civil War stories, or simply a quiet stroll through Gratz Park, the Hunt鈥揗organ House offers a beautifully layered experience that connects you to the early soul of 鈥淭he Athens of the West.鈥�
Beyond its visual appeal, Hopemont carries a rich tapestry of historical stories. The Hunt-Morgan family left a significant mark on American history鈥擩ohn Hunt Morgan, the famed Confederate cavalry leader known as the 鈥淭hunderbolt of the Confederacy,鈥� was raised in the house, and Dr. Thomas Hunt Morgan鈥攂orn here in 1866鈥攂ecame the first Kentuckian honored with a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. On the second floor, the Alexander T. Hunt Civil War Museum offers insights into this turbulent era via letters, uniforms, and artifacts that enrich the narrative of the house.
Saved from demolition in 1955, Hopemont is now lovingly preserved by the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation. Tours take you through beautifully restored period rooms, including a grand cantilevered central staircase, a formal parlor, dining room, and a garden-facing office space鈥攅ach space evoking life in early Lexington. The house also frequently hosts art exhibitions, lectures, and private events, lending it a vibrant, community鈥慶entered spirit.
For tourists exploring historic Lexington, Hopemont is more than a stately relic鈥攊t鈥檚 a gateway into Kentucky鈥檚 past. Its prime location on Mill Street means nearby landmarks and walking paths await just steps away. Whether you鈥檙e drawn by architecture, local history, Civil War stories, or simply a quiet stroll through Gratz Park, the Hunt鈥揗organ House offers a beautifully layered experience that connects you to the early soul of 鈥淭he Athens of the West.鈥�
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lexington. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Hunt-Morgan (Hopemont) House on Map
Sight Name: Hunt-Morgan (Hopemont) House
Sight Location: Lexington, USA (See walking tours in Lexington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lexington, USA (See walking tours in Lexington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lexington, Kentucky
Create Your Own Walk in Lexington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lexington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lexington Introduction Walking Tour
Lexington is Kentucky's second-largest city and the Fayette County seat. The city is most famous for the Thoroughbred racing industry but has so much to offer besides attractions related to racing. This city dates back to 1782 when Kentucky was still part of the Commonwealth of Virginia and was settled by frontiersmen under the leadership of William McConnell.
During the 19th century, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
During the 19th century, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Historical Buildings
Historical buildings in Lexington, Kentucky, serve as time capsules, reflecting the architectural and cultural history of the region. A good number of these structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, each having its own story to tell. Let's explore a few notable structures that have made significant architectural contributions to the cityscape of Lexington.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles