Lexington KY vs Lexington MA (Frankfort, Paris: house, military, suburb)

[The Gringo]

Which is more important historically?

[CraigCreek]

Lexington, Massachusetts, for which Lexington, Kentucky was named, is clearly the most historically significant, as the Battle of Lexington and Concord is considered the first major battle of the American Revolution.

[censusdata]

I think it's pretty even given that Lex Mass is one suburb of Boston that's loaded with history and Lexington is a small city that was home to some of the most important people of the 19th century. Henry Clay is probably the most influential house member ever and prevented the Civil War for decades. Mary Todd Lincoln is probably the best known First Lady ever. John C Breckenridge was an important figure in both the US and later Conferderate gov'ts. Jesse Jame's mom was from nearby and he often hid out in a still existing house off Old Frankfort Pike. The man who patented the Green Yellow Red traffic signal that is still popular was from nearby Bourbon Co, he was born to slaves. And don't forgot Morgan's Raiders who raised rebel hell through the Midwest to divert Union supplies and attention.

[CraigCreek]

^^^True, and all very intriguing and interesting. Lots of history in both Lexingtons, undeniably.

But...without the American Revolution, all we'd have to boast about here in Lexington, Kentucky would be the traffic light and Jesse James! (actually, Paris, Kentucky and Cole's Tavern near Midway would have a better claim...).

If we had remained a British colony, Henry Clay probably would have stayed in Virginia. And Mary Todd would never have wed Abraham Lincoln, as the social distinctions were too great, even had they would up in the same vicinity, which also would be unlikely.

But Henry Clay would have gone into politics, regardless of his location. He would likely have served in what would have remained the House of Burgesses, and might well have become Governor of the Virginia Colony. Breckinridge might have had a similar career. Morgan?? Who knows? Perhaps a military career in Her Majesty's army.

Interesting supposition...