Farmington Historic Plantation — Attraction in Louisville

The home was built in 1814 by John & Lucy Speed, who were both from wealthy Virginia families. They settled the land that became Farmington, first in log cabins and then built the house that is there today with architectural designs that many agree were originally authored by Thomas Jefferson (an American Founding Father, principal architect of the Declaration of Independence from England, and 3rd President of these United States). Farmington was a fully functioning homestead with a cash crop of hemp. At its peak Farmington was surrounded by 500 acres of hemp plants (commonly used to make rope and other products).

The best time to have visited would have been back in 1841 while Abraham Lincoln spent 3 weeks visiting the Speed family. At that time, young Abraham was courting Mary Todd (born Dec 13, 1818 and raised in Lexington, KY. Then moved to Springfield, IL at age 17), and he was in need of a place to recover from both exhaustion & depression. The Speed family took him in and helped the future President get back on his feet.

Farmington is a great little piece of preserved history with a nice rose garden in the rear. It's a nice place to stretch the legs or walk the dog if passing by on a trip. The entrance is right off the I-264 Bardstown Rd exit (Turn North onto Bardstown Rd). The entrance is on the right side, so start looking for a Farmington sign immediately after turning onto...

A hidden gem! I grew up within an hours drive of this place but never visited. I’ve visited many, many historic sites and had never been to Farmington Historic Plantation until now. It was a treat! History, by itself, can be dry and boring, but placed in context with others who lived and interacted with a particular subject is all it takes to draw one in. Our tour guide made that connection with Abraham Lincoln and other notable and recognizable families from this area being featured as part of the tour. The architecture is straight out of Thomas Jefferson’s playbook (or a very close copy), so if you’ve ever been to Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Virginia, you will recognize many features of this home. Though Farmington is often used as an event venue today, don’t hesitate to come for the tour of the home. Kentucky was considered the frontier in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s with more primitive log homes and accompanying farms. This was a home of great wealth during Kentucky’s early history and well worth exploring. It’s truly a treasure that is tucked away in what is now a modern day neighborhood. In fact much of the Bardstown Road area was originally a part of the 500...

The Farmington Plantation Tour I received on 9/10/2022 exceeded all expectations. My guide carefully walked me through all aspects of the history about Farmington. I have lived in Louisville a good part of my life and regret that this was my first official tour of this beautiful and significant part of Kentucky history. When I walked into the room where President Lincoln sat and discussed matters with Mr. Speed centuries ago, it brought home to me in a personal way the importance of Kentucky's role in history, specifically the Civil War. I saw where the enslaved worked and quietly dreamed as they were held captive by a sociopolitical system that thwarted their true potential. I saw the beautiful architecture of the building which was at one time "in the country." I was able to imagine and feel the presence of those who occupied the house and walked the grounds because of the magnificent restoration that has been completed over the years. This is a must see, whether you are Kentuckians or, someone who respects that knowing our past defines our future. Take a look. You...