The Athens of the West

In the 1800s, the American West was defined as anything west of the Appalachian Mountains. And thanks in part to German settlers, Lexington became southern Appalachia’s cultural center, calling itself the “Athens of the West” — boasting Transylvania University, streetlights, a public subscription library, + a theatre.

As Oktoberfest events kick off in Lexington, let’s raise our steins to the German history that helped build the Bluegrass. 🍻

Names to know

Michael Stoner (Holsteiner) | Stoner was a man of German descent who accompanied Daniel Boone on his first long-hunt journey into the bluegrass region. The two men would form a friendship that lasted the rest of their lives.

Isaac Hite (Hayd) | Hite was only 20 years old when assigned the task of surveying the land that is now the state of Kentucky in 1773.

James Harrod | After Isaac’s initial 6-week survey, Harrod joined him + would go on to found the first permanent settlement in Kentucky — now known as Harrodsburg (just a short drive down the Bluegrass Pkwy).

Wilderness Road State Park | photo by Harve Dixon

Bonus

The famous Kentucky Rifle was made popular by German gunsmiths who immigrated to America. This was the firearm of choice for any pioneer brave enough to cross the Appalachian Mountains.

German heritage is present in modern-day Lexington as well — 60 offices and industrial plants near Lexington have ties to German, Austrian, and Swiss firms.

Quiz

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