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People Wonder The Future Of Whitehall Mansion

Posted at 5:31 PM, Jan 31, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-31 17:31:18-05

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)–Days ago, it was revealed that the Boone Station Land in South Lexington was given away, a gift from our Governor to a nearby church. Now, people in Madison County are concerned that a historic landmark there could suffer the same fate.

“It’s more than a treasure. This is one of the most amazing historic houses you will ever see,” said Randy Huff with Whitehall House.

No formal discussions have taken place at this time about gifting the Whitehall property to Eastern Kentucky University, but giving away a piece of Commonwealth history is precisely what concerns Huff.

“No historic house, for the most part, should ever go away,” said Huff.

Huff said especially feels this way for the house once owned by Cassius M. Clay.

“He was from the aristocracy. basically, everyone in his family; his friends and loved ones were slave owners. but he was doing his best to end slavery,” said Huff.

The mansion hosts weddings, field trips, and will welcome anyone interested in learning more about that time in history.

“This man knew Abraham Lincoln. grew up with Mary Todd, cousin of Henry Clay,” he said.

Huff hopes they can preserve the property in its current state, saying it is irreplaceable.

The mere thought of giving it all away has created a stir.

The EKU Board of Regents meets on February 22. That is the earliest they could discuss the topic, if they do at all.  LEX 18’s Michael Berk reached out to Governor Matt Bevin’s office seeking comment, but he has not heard back.