Take a step back in time with these newly colorized historical photos of Lexington

Welcome, wanderers of the past, to a kaleidoscopic journey through the streets of Lexington, Kentucky! Today, we’re diving into a magical world where black-and-white photos are brought to life with a touch of color. These newly colorized historical photos will take you on a tour of the Bluegrass State’s bustling city, where horse-drawn carriages and street cars roll by, women in flowy dresses saunter down the sidewalk, and gentlemen tip their hats in greeting. As you peruse these vibrant images, you’ll feel as though you’re peering through a portal into a bygone era. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to a world of wonder, as we embark on a journey through the colorful past of Lexington, Kentucky.

Nick Ryan Saloon, undated.
At one time the Weitzel Resturaunt, now the New Way shoe shop, located on the east side of Mill Street between Short and Main Streets. It later burned.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
View of State College of Kentucky, undated
Picture taken from Winslow Street (later Euclid Ave, now the Avenue of Champions) corner of South Limestone Street, showing the Administration Building.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Courthouse and Cheapside, 1909.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Courthouse and Cheapside, 1929.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Good Samaritan Hospital, 1929
Colorized by The Lexington Times
St. Joseph Hospital, 1929
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Photos from 1971 Irishtown Davistown South Hill Neighborhood Study.
Courtesy Lexington Public Library.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Kentucky Association Track, circa 1900.
Establish in 1826. It was sold to Kentucky Jockey Club in 1918. This track was located near Row and Sixth Streets.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
“Loudon” on Bryan Station Road, undated.
A Tudor-Gothic style home erected in 1850 by Francis K. Hunt on 56 acres for $30,303. It was one of the finest houses in Kentucky. Sold to Colonel William C. Goodloe in 1880. Sold to the city and later became community center for Castlewood City Park.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Otto “Pop” Gruner, owner of the Main Spring Bar having a beer with one of his customers, undated.
His son, Otto, Jr. is in the background.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Phoenix Hotel – Phoenix Hotel located at Main and Limestone Streets
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Residence of Wilbur R. Smith, Limestone and Maxwell streets, undated.
Later used as Baker Funeral Home about 1920, now used for a parking lot for visitors to Good Samaritan Hospital.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Colorized by The Lexington Times
Lexington Mayor John Skain, 1908
Official Reports of the City of Lexington, Ky. 1908, Lexington Public Library
Colorized by The Lexington Times
1931 Comprehensive Plan of Lexington, Kentucky & Environs
Courtesy Lexington Public Library
Colorized by The Lexington Times
1931 Comprehensive Plan of Lexington, Kentucky & Environs
Courtesy Lexington Public Library
Colorized by The Lexington Times