This Hidden Gem In Kentucky Is Full Of Charm And History And You'll Want To Visit
By Andrea Limke|Published July 11, 2017
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Kentucky has a fascinating history and there is evidence of it all over the state. Some spots are more popular than others, but there is one hidden gem right in Kentucky’s largest city that you may never have heard of. Farmington Plantation is a historic property that is lovingly maintained and shared with the community and you’ll want to visit.
Right in the heart of Jefferson County, Farmington Plantation is now a historic site, situated on 18 acres of what was once a 550-acre thriving hemp plantation. The house was completed in 1816 and was built for John and Lucy Speed. The plantation was run by nearly 60 enslaved African Americans, who lived on the property.
The property is open daily from 9am - 6pm for self-guided tours, but we highly recommend taking one of the guided ones. These are available Tuesday - Friday from 10am - 3pm and begin on the hour from the visitors center. The volunteers who lead these tours are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of this property. You will be fascinated by the stories and information they share with you.
There are several spots to visit throughout the plantation, one of them is the Blacksmith Shop, shown below. The preservation is amazing and you'll love walking through this living history.
The grounds are beautifully kept and perfect for roaming on a nice day. Farmington is ideal for history buffs, as well as families looking for an interesting outing. The Plantation is also a venue for events and makes a stunning backdrop for weddings or other celebrations.
Farmington also hosts events throughout the year, where you may even run into a historical figure or two. In the summer of 1841, Abraham Lincoln spent three weeks at the Plantation, where he built important relationships with the Speed family, including his future Attorney General James Speed.
Farmington Plantation is a hidden gem in Louisville that is doing its part to share Kentucky's history and connect with the community. If you have yet to visit this Kentucky destination, add it to your growing list of Kentucky attractions.
Have you visited Farmington Plantation? What is your favorite historical site in Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! Farmington Plantation is located at 3033 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY 40205. For more info, check out their website here.
For more of Kentucky’s fascinating history, check out our previous article here.
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