Benjamin Gratz was a wealthy business and civic leader, and for sixty-five years was one of Lexington Kentucky's most astute and valuable citizens. His home, Mount Hope, is still standing beside Gratz Park in Lexington. In addition to being a partner with Colonel James Morrison in hemp manufacturing, Gratz was also involved in many other businesses. He was a member of the city council, was a trustee of Transylvania and a curator for Kentucky University. He was the first president of the Kentucky Agricultural and Mechanical Association. Gratz helped promote construction of the Maysville- Lexington road and the Lexington and Ohio Railroad. Gratz was instrumental in establishing Lexington's public library, the first in the West. During the Civil War, Gratz was a Unionist in a sharply divided state.
Benjamin Gratz was a wealthy business and civic leader, and for sixty-five years was one of Lexington Kentucky's most astute and valuable citizens. His home, Mount Hope, is still standing beside Gratz Park in Lexington. In addition to being a partner with Colonel James Morrison in hemp manufacturing, Gratz was also involved in many other businesses. He was a member of the city council, was a trustee of Transylvania and a curator for Kentucky University. He was the first president of the Kentucky Agricultural and Mechanical Association. Gratz helped promote construction of the Maysville- Lexington road and the Lexington and Ohio Railroad. Gratz was instrumental in establishing Lexington's public library, the first in the West. During the Civil War, Gratz was a Unionist in a sharply divided state.
Bio by: Philip Lafleur
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