Bluegrass Heritage Museum 2nd Thursday Program

Henry Clay

Divided We Stand
1777-1852
Script by Bo List

Henry Clay was born in 1777, a child of the American Revolution. Throughout his life, Clay earned many titles: Kentucky State Representative, United States Representative, Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, and United States Senator. One name and title that eluded Clay, however, was “President of the United States.” Yet, he was one of the most widely known and respected public servants of his day, garnering a reputation for bringing people together into common purpose and consensus. His compelling oratory ability and diplomatic talents are widely credited with helping to hold the Union together long enough to survive the eventual Civil War, as well as to forge a national identity that could outlast the devastating conflict. Henry Clay famously said that he would “rather be right than be President.” While he never did reach the Presidency of our nation, Clay’s legacy as “The Great Compromiser” may very well have saved it.