Holy Cross in Marion County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Catholic Pioneers

Photographed By Trinket Troy, April 25, 2006

1. Catholic Pioneers Marker

Inscription. Basil Hayden, Sr., led 25 Maryland Catholic families to settle near here, on Pottinger's Creek, 1785. Father Whelan said first Mass in Kentucky here in 1787. First Catholic church west of Alleghenies built here in 1792. First monks, 1805, Trappist Fathers (Cistercians). Present church erected in 1823, under direction of famous Belgian missionary, Charles Nerinckx.

Erected by The Kentucky Historical Society and the Department of Highways. (Marker Number 913.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.

Location. 37° 40.446′ N, 85° 26.816′ W. Marker is in Holy Cross, Kentucky, in Marion County. Marker is at the intersection of Loretto Road (Kentucky Route 49) and Holy Cross Road (Kentucky Route 457) on Loretto Road. Also at this crossroads is Kentucky Route 527. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Loretto KY 40037, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Gristmill-Distillery (approx. 5.6 miles away); Saint Thomas Farm (approx. 7.1 miles away); Loretto Sisters

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(approx. 7.8 miles away); Raywick (approx. 7.9 miles away); Ferguson Chapel Site (approx. 8.1 miles away).

More about this marker. The crossroads of Holy Cross no longer has a post office. It is served by the Loretto post office.

Photographed By Trinket Troy, April 25, 2006

2. Catholic Pioneers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2006, by Trinket Troy of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,498 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2006, by Trinket Troy of Burke, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.