Lexington’s Freedom Train Monument

LexArts, in partnership with the Lexington’s Freedom Train Memorial committee, has embarked on a major public art initiative that will honor Lewis and Harriet Hayden, two of Lexington’s formerly enslaved, who escaped via the Underground Railroad and who went on to become famed abolitionists. In addition to honoring the Haydens, the monument will serve as a remembrance and commemoration of other enslaved persons in Lexington and their paths to freedom.

This artwork will be a visual landmark in Lexington on a parcel of land located at the southeast corner of Limestone and Fourth Streets on the grounds of Lexington Traditional Magnet School. A Call for Art resulted in submissions from 96 acclaimed local, regional, national, and international artists. From that esteemed group, four artists have now been commissioned to create designs for the site. Each artist will make a public presentation of their design on March 13 at 6pm at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, after which the selection committee will make a final recommendation.