Celebrating 250 Years

Independence Day in Lexington

Lexington was founded in 1775, one year before the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. Discover our city during the birth year of the United States — Explore books, archives, and more at LPL.

July 4 Staff Picks

Browse our catalog for books and titles related to the United States, from 1776 through today.

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Featured Podcasts

Tune in to the Tales From the Kentucky Room podcast as LPL librarians sit down to discuss pivotal local and national histories surrounding Kentucky and Lexington.

Lafayette in Lexington

Expert Dale Henley highlights the Marquis de Lafayette’s background, Revolutionary War contributions, abolitionist views, his 1825 visit to Lexington, and more.

Kentucky and the War of 1812: the Governor, the Farmers and the Pig

Local author Doris Settles discusses her latest book, which details Kentucky’s heavy involvement and heavy losses during the War of 1812.

Mary Todd Lincoln

Mariam interviews Dr. Coleman, head curator of the Mary Todd Lincoln House, about her life in Lexington, the White House, and after the assassination.

250Lex: Early Lexington Cemeteries

Zach Davis sits down with us to explore Lexington’s historic cemeteries and their role as early city parks.

Not Your Grandmother's DAR

Three members of Lexington’s Daughters of the American Revolution discuss their work in historical preservation and using DNA to identify patriots of color and descendants.

Lexington's White House Chef

J.P. celebrates Dolly Johnson Dandridge (1852-1918), a Kentucky native, White House Chef, and the first African American woman to open a business on Main Street. Hear some of her famous recipes throughout the episode.

Three Civil War Lexington Women

A guest host offers sketches of the lives of three Lexington Civil War-era women: Elizabeth Harbeson Hummons, Francis Dallam Peter, and Ella Bishop Ransom, who saved a Union flag from Confederate forces.

President for a Day

Hear the story of David Rice Atchison, born in Lexington, KY, who became a senator from Missouri, and is the only person in history who was possibly president for a day.

John Wilkes Booth in Lexington

Mariam and David discuss the sordid life of John Wilkes Booth before his assassination of Abraham Lincoln, including his visit to Lexington during the Civil War as a theater actor. Listener discretion is advised.

The 1964 March on Frankfort

A roundtable of librarians discuss the 1964 March on Frankfort, when both MLK Jr. and Jackie Robinson marched to advocate for the end of segregation of public accommodations in Kentucky.

Anatomy of a Duel

Stuart Sanders discusses his book, Anatomy of a Duel: Secession, Civil War, and the Evolution of Kentucky Violence, why dueling was embraced in Kentucky, and the lives of notable duelists.

Charles Dickens’ Visit to Kentucky

Mariam and David discuss Charles Dickens’ 1842 visit to Kentucky, his observations of America, particularly American Table Manners, and the people he encountered.

Revolutionary Threads

Presented by: Daughters of the American Revolution, Transylvania Chapter

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From the Kentucky Room

The Kentucky Room at Central Library holds items dating back to the time of the Revolutionary War, which provide a snapshot into the happenings, events, and daily life of Lexington during and since the country’s founding.