The Lexington city council has given final approval to rename Cheapside Park adjacent to the Historic Courthouse - the Henry Tandy Centennial Park. Prior to the Civil War the area was home to slave trade along with public square sales of livestock and crops.
The group Take Back Cheapside has lobbied for the name change. Spokesman Debraun Thomas is optimistic citizens can, quote, “work together to make some incredible things happen.” “I do hope that people can find ways to plug in and show up for those who frankly are just tired of having to do the same thing every single day,” said Thomas.
The park now carries the name of Henry Tandy, a former slave, who co-owned a successful Lexington masonry company in the late 1800’s. His company laid the foundational bricks for the Historic Courthouse in 1899.
VisitLEX, the city’s primary tourism and marketing entity, is housed in that courthouse structure. Mary Quinn Ramer is president of VisitLEX. “For us being just adjacent to the park, we think there’s wonderful synergy and a fantastic opportunity to recognize the contribution of Mr. Tandy craftsmanship and to celebrate his legacy 120 years later,” said Ramer.
A wall exhibit detailing the story of Henry Tandy is located inside the refurbished Historic Courthouse building.?
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Central and Eastern Kentucky. To support this locally-produced content, please consider making a contribution.
