Paducah in McCracken County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Bicentennial of Paducah

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011

1. Bicentennial of Paducah Marker

Inscription. In 1966, Mayor Tom Wilson, a civic-minded Paducah native, was encouraged by then Kentucky Governor Ned Brethitt, to organize a celebration of the state's bicentennial. He envisioned festivities right on the riverfront where the city's history originated, as well as throughout the town. Wilson enlisted the help of city agencies, area businesses and private citizens. The original festival included many of the same activities that are still enjoyed year later.

Erected by Sponsored by the late Elmer S. and Myrtle J. Breidert of St. Louis, Missouri.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1966.

Location. 37° 5.241′ N, 88° 35.615′ W. Marker is in Paducah, Kentucky, in McCracken County. Marker is at the intersection of South Water Street and Kentucky Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South Water Street. Next to the Kentucky Ave entrance to Ohio River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Paducah KY 42001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Pilothouse (a few steps from this marker); The "A" Boom in Paducah (a few steps from this marker); Ride Round The Rivers / Paducah Harbor (a few steps from this marker); Marine Royalty "Red Coats"

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(a few steps from this marker); Dawn of the Atomic Age (within shouting distance of this marker); Iron Horse Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Christening the Towboat Eleanor (within shouting distance of this marker); They Passed This Way (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paducah.

Also see . . . The Paducah Wall to Wall Floodwall Mural Project. Renowned artist Robert Dafford and his team of muralists capture Paducah’s rich history in paintings on the city’s floodwall overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. (Submitted on October 25, 2011.)

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011

2. Bicentennial of Paducah Marker

Band playing on the waterfront.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011

3. Bicentennial of Paducah Marker

Hot Air Balloons, watermelons, and Swimming.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011

4. Bicentennial of Paducah Marker

Swimming in the Ohio River.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011

5. Bicentennial of Paducah Marker

The Bicentennial of Paducah Mural is the first Mural past Kentucky Street entrance to the Ohio River. If you look closely you will see there is a walkway in the middle of the Mural.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 504 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on November 5, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 24, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.