Demographics:

• Founded:  1780
• Area:  286 Square Miles
• Population:  260,000
• County Seat:  Lexington
• Time Zone:  Eastern
• Airport: Bluegrass Airport
• Median Income:  $39,813

History:

One of three original counties formed when Kentucky County, Virginia was divided by the Virginia Act in 1780 (the other two counties being Jefferson and Lincoln). Fayette County included area north and east of the Kentucky River, 37 present-day counties, and parts of 7 others. It was reduced to its present boundaries in 1799. The county is named for Marquis de Lafayette, who came to America to assist with the American Revolutionary War.

On January 1, 1974, Fayette County merged its government with that of its county seat of Lexington, creating a consolidated city-county governed by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

About Lexington:

Lexington is the second largest city In Kentucky. It is known worldwide for its beautiful large horse farms.  Lexington is refererred to as the Horse Capital of the world.  And, if you drive around the outskirts of Lexington City you will soon see why.  It is home to two nationally known horse racetracks; Keenland and the Red Mile.

It is also known far and wide as the home to the Kentucky Wildcats, the basketball team of the University of Kentucky. Located in the heart of Lexington, UK has won many NCAA championships over the years.

In early years, Lexington was known as the Athens of the West, because of its ties to Transylvania University, an institution that figured prominently in Lexington’s history as a cultural and educational center.

Lexington is known for its many medical centers and hospitals, both human and equine alike.  Lexington’s major equine hospitals include Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Woodford Equine Hospital and right across from the Knetucky Horse park is Hagyard-Davidson-McGee.

Lexington offers a thriving downtown offers many historical sites to tourists and houses a healthy arts and cultural district.  The city’s downtown Lexington Convention Center has recently been expanded and hosts many national meetings and conventions, thanks to the Hyatt Regency and the Radisson Hotel. Several other convention centers also exist in Lexington, including new facilities at Coldstream Farm to accommodate conventions and business meetings.

One of the major tourist attractions in Lexington is The Kentucky Horse Park.  See all about it here.