Henry Clay's Home

Visit to Henry Clay's Home

The third graders from Picadome Elementary went to Ashland, Henry Clay’s home. When they were in the dining room, they observed a sword on the wall. Their hands shot up in the air as the students wondered whose sword that was. The guide told us that it was a copy of Henry Clay’s son’s sword. They also observed a big black safe. The guide told us there used to be silverware in the safe because banks couldn’t be trusted as much as they can be today. The students saw big cups that were used for ice cream long ago. The ice cream was not as good in those days. There was celery on the table also. The guide told us there was not much celery during Henry Clay’s time. Celery on the table meant that the family was rich. The third graders had a great time at Henry Clay’s home.

Henry Clay’s Home, Ashland

By Eileen

We are at Henry Clay’s home. The mansion stands on the site of the original Ashland, home of Henry Clay from 1806 to 1852. In 1804, Henry Clay purchased the first 125 acres of land. Henry Clay built this mansion because he already four children and a wife so they needed a bigger home. In Henry Clay’s time people built mansions to show that they were rich and had lots of money. Lots of changes have happened to the house throughout time. Over time the house was made bigger. The outside of the house had skinny windows. Skinny windows were important because there was danger from Indian attacks. Now some of the windows are wider and the staircases are narrower. Besides the mansion, Henry Clay had slave quarters, a smoke house, an ice house, a privy, and a farm. Henry Clay called his farm, Ashland, because there were so many ash trees around his home.

Now most people have smaller houses in Lexington. Other houses now aren’t built with large rooms either. Only some people have big estates. Some big houses like Henry Clay’s house are still around though. The house is also important because the house was rebuilt from a white colored house to a brick house. Henry Clay was also a farmer but he didn’t plant crops or dig in dirt like a real farmer. He was called a farmer because Henry Clay has animals like a real farmer. The house needed to be big because his wife had 11 children. I also remember some rooms like the guest room, the kitchen, and Henry Clay’s and his wife’s room. It was a wonderful trip to Henry Clay’s home at Ashland.

Third graders from Picadome Elementary visited Ashland, Henry clay’s home. While they were outside the house, the guide told the students about how Henry Clay Jr. rebuilt the house after it burned down.

By Kashae

The mansion is open for tours Monday thru Saturday from 10-4 and Sunday from 1-4. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children. Come visit Henry Clay’s home and take a step back in time!