Lexington: Ashland Henry Clay Estate Ticket With Guided Tour

Lexington’s Ashland Estate offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman. The 18-room Italianate-style mansion and grounds provide guided tours that explore Clay’s political, agricultural, and equestrian pursuits, as well as the complex history of slavery on the estate. Whether you opt for the Signature Tour, Women’s Voices Tour, or Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Clay’s multifaceted life and the lasting impact he had on the region. With various tour options and a chance to learn about this historical site, the Ashland Estate promises an enriching experience for anyone interested in American history.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Guided Tours In Lexington.

Key Points

• The Ashland Henry Clay Estate offers guided tours providing insights into the life and legacy of Henry Clay, considered ‘America’s greatest statesman’.
• Tour options include the 1-hour Signature Tour, Women’s Voices Tour, Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour, and a Combo Tour with multiple perspectives.
• Tour inclusions cover guided tours, admission to the 18-room Italianate-style mansion, parking, and access to the estate’s gardens and walking trails.
• Key highlights include learning about Clay’s role in shaping the nation’s political landscape, exploring his personal artifact collection, and understanding the estate’s history of slavery.
• The tour meeting point is located at 120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY 40502, with visitors presenting their GetYourGuide voucher at the museum store 15 minutes prior to the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour at Ashland, the estate of Henry Clay, allows visitors to discover the 18-room Italianate-style mansion and learn about the life and legacy of this prominent American statesman.

Guests can choose from various tour options, each offering a unique perspective on Clay’s story. The Signature Tour provides a 1-hour narrated overview, while the Women’s Voices Tour and Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour delve deeper into the experiences of the women and enslaved individuals associated with the estate.

The Art & Grounds Tour combines history, art, and nature, and the Combo Tour offers a combination of the Signature Tour plus either the Women’s Voices or Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour.

Tour Options

Visitors to Ashland can choose from a variety of tour options, each offering a unique perspective on Henry Clay’s legacy and the estate’s history.

The Signature Tour provides a 1-hour narrated overview of the mansion and grounds, while the Women’s Voices Tour focuses on the stories of 9 women associated with Ashland.

For those interested in the enslaved individuals at Ashland, the Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour explores their stories.

The Art & Grounds Tour combines history, art, and nature, and the Combo Tour allows visitors to experience the Signature Tour plus either the Women’s Voices or Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour.

Whichever option visitors choose, they’re sure to gain deeper insights into Ashland and Clay’s enduring impact.

Tour Inclusions

Admission fees, docent-led guided tours (depending on the option booked), parking, and access to the estate’s gardens and walking trails are all included in the tour offerings at Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate. This allows visitors to fully enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of the estate.

Key inclusions are:

• Guided tours, which provide in-depth insights into Henry Clay’s life and legacy as a prominent American statesman
• Admission to explore the 18-room Italianate-style mansion and its collection of artifacts
• Parking to ensure a hassle-free visit
• Access to the estate’s picturesque gardens and walking trails
• The opportunity to choose from various tour options to tailor the experience to personal interests.

Tour Highlights

Key highlights of the Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate tours include learning why Henry Clay is renowned as ‘America’s greatest statesman’, marveling at the collection of artifacts related to his life and career.

Visitors can also gain insights into how slavery shaped Ashland and Clay’s America. Plus, the tours explore Clay’s legacy as a horse-breeder and scientific farmer.

The Signature Tour offers a 1-hour narrated journey through the mansion and grounds, while specialty tours focus on the stories of women associated with Ashland or the experiences of enslaved individuals.

Regardless of the option chosen, guests can enjoy the rich history and legacy of this prominent American statesman.

More Great Tours Nearby

Meeting Point

The Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate tours meet at 120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY 40502, USA. Visitors should present their GetYourGuide voucher at the museum store 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.

This convenient location provides easy access to the historic estate and ensures a smooth start to the guided experience.

The meeting point offers several key advantages:

• Proximity to the estate’s main entrance
• Opportunity to check in and receive any necessary information
• Ability to meet the tour guide and fellow participants
• Access to the museum store for souvenirs or additional resources
• Ample parking available on-site for visitors

Explore Ashland Mansion

After arriving at the estate, visitors can step inside the 18-room Italianate-style Ashland mansion, the former home of renowned statesman Henry Clay.

The grand structure, built in the 1850s, showcases Clay’s sophisticated tastes and provides a window into his personal life and political legacy.

Highlights of the mansion tour include a glimpse into the family’s private quarters, seeing Clay’s personal collection of artifacts, and learning about his role as a prominent figure in American history.

Docents offer insights into the mansion’s architecture and design, as well as the stories of the individuals who lived and worked at Ashland during Clay’s lifetime.

The tour provides a comprehensive understanding of this historic estate and its iconic owner.

Legacy of Henry Clay

Considered by many as ‘America’s greatest statesman,’ Henry Clay’s enduring legacy is marked by his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s political landscape during the 19th century.

As a five-term U.S. Senator and Speaker of the House, Clay was instrumental in brokering critical compromises that helped maintain the fragile union in the face of growing tensions over slavery.

Clay’s legacy is further cemented by:

• His influence as a horse-breeder and scientific farmer, contributing to Kentucky’s agricultural success
• His role as a leading member of the Whig Party and the ‘Great Triumvirate’ alongside Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun
• His unsuccessful presidential campaigns, but lasting impact as a powerful orator and political strategist
• His championing of the ‘American System’ of economic nationalism and infrastructure development
• His lifelong commitment to gradual emancipation and colonization as a solution to the slavery crisis

Slavery at Ashland

Though Henry Clay was a prominent abolitionist who advocated for gradual emancipation, his estate at Ashland was built and maintained through the labor of enslaved individuals.

Slavery was deeply ingrained in the economic and social fabric of Ashland, with Clay’s family owning as many as 60 enslaved people at the height of their holdings.

Visitors to the estate can now explore the stories and experiences of these enslaved individuals through the ‘Traces: Slavery at Ashland’ tour, gaining a more complete understanding of Clay’s complex legacy.

The tour delves into the historical realities of slavery at Ashland, providing a thought-provoking and insightful perspective on the estate’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are generally not permitted on the tour of the Ashland estate. The tours are focused on providing visitors with an informative experience, and allowing pets could potentially disrupt the tour or pose a safety concern. Visitors are advised to leave their pets at home.

How Accessible Is the Mansion for Visitors With Disabilities?

The mansion is relatively accessible for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair access is provided, and staff are available to assist guests as needed. However, some areas may have limited accessibility due to the historic nature of the building.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the Ashland tour, although they may be asked to refrain from using flash photography in certain areas to preserve the historical artifacts. Photography policies may vary across the different tour options.

Is There a Gift Shop or Café On-Site?

Yes, there is a gift shop on-site at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate. Visitors can browse a selection of souvenirs and books related to Henry Clay and the estate’s history after their tour. However, there is no café on the premises.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour. Tickets are non-refundable within 24 hours of the tour. Guests can reschedule their tour for a different date if needed.

Recap

Ashland, Henry Clay’s former estate, offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of this renowned American statesman.

Through various tour options, visitors can explore Clay’s multifaceted roles, from political strategist to horse-breeder and scientific farmer.

While marveling at Clay’s accomplishments, the tour also examines the complex history of slavery at Ashland, providing a comprehensive understanding of this historically significant site.

You can check availability for your dates here: