Historic Augusta,Kentucky

Augusta is located in Bracken County, Kentucky, at the convergence of the Ohio River and Bracken Creek, approximately 42 miles east of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Ohio River borders the northern part of the City; it flows in a straight westerly direction for nine miles without the obstruction of a floodwall. Riverside Drive in Augusta offers an incredible long-range view of this picturesque river valley. Many people believe it is the most beautiful view of the valley in the entire state of Kentucky.

The area was part of a Revolutionary War grant by Virginia to Capt. Phillip Buckner, who first visited here in 1781. Buckner returned in 1796 with 40 Virginia families. Augusta was named in honor of his former home, Augusta County, Virginia. The Legislature of Kentucky issued its charter on October 2, 1797. At the request of Capt. Buckner, the town trustees were chosen and Buckner deeded them 600 acres of land on which the city is located. They were sold as “in lots” in 1795.

Vahalla Farm- Woodford County

The farm is located West of Troy on Paul's Mill Rd., Troy,Kentucky.

Breeder and seller Ben Walden Jr., has just purchased 235-acre Valhalla Farm near Midway, Ky., where he will continue to operate his commercial breeding program.

Walden sold his Gracefield property near the Kentucky Horse Park to a show jumping operation earlier this year.

His plans are to build a new yearling barn, install an Aquaciser underwater treadmill for yearling sales-preparation, and expand the existing foaling barn at Valhalla from 10 to 20. He also will rename the farm Paul's Mill, which he said restores the original name its founders bestowed on the property some decades ago.

Walden expects his first Paul's Mill consignment to sell at Saratoga in 2009.

The Governor's Mansion

Twenty-four Kentucky Governors have lived in the house that now sits at 704 Capitol Avenue in Frankfort, Kentucky. Since 1914 when the doors to the "new" Mansion were officially opened for the first time, celebrities, dignitaries and many who would be considered common have visited the "People's House" on a regular basis.

If the walls could talk we would no doubt hear lots of exciting stories - stories that tell of family celebrations and personal heartaches, political deals that result in triumphant victories and bitter losses and of course, plenty of the kind of gossip that seems to thrive in a town that is loaded with high political ambitions.

When a new first family moves into the Governor's Mansion one of the first signs of community they experience is a knock on the door and a hearty welcome from the town's folk. Tradition suggests the welcoming party bring a silver tray of food to present to the newest members of the community as a welcoming gift. This happens even before the newly elected Governor is ceremonially sworn in.

There are other traditions related to the Governorship and the Governor's Mansion. It is customary for the outgoing Governor to invite the Governor-elect and his family to dinner at the Mansion shortly after the election and during the time of transition. There is also the tradition of the first spouses. This custom has the spouse of the retiring Governor leave for the spouse of the incoming Governor a platter of baked ham with beaten biscuits and a white cake on the dining room table.