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1950 Map of Lexington West

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Lexington West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1952
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1952

About this map

The rolling Bluegrass region west of Lexington is defined by its world-class equine heritage and significant institutional presence in the mid-20th century. Renowned Thoroughbred estates like Calumet Farm and Idle Hour Farm, complete with its dedicated Idle Hour Siding on the railroad, anchor the rural landscape. The map captures a transition where the urban core of the city, including the University of Kentucky and the historic Lexington Cemetery, meets the sprawling pastures of Bluegrass Field.

Infrastructure of the era is prominently featured, from the massive U S Veterans Hospital and U S Public Health Service Hospital to the industrial Belt Line railroad and the Southern line. Local history is preserved through labels for smaller communities such as Bracktown and Fort Spring, and landmarks like the Keene Land Race Course, reflecting the region's unique intersection of horse racing, higher education, and public health facilities.