Downtown in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Cathedral of the Assumption

Photographed by Michael Herrick, May 19, 2017

1. Cathedral of the Assumption Marker

Inscription. Cathedral of the Assumption Parish first gathered in 1805; founded by Father Stephen Badin, the first Roman Catholic priest ordained in U.S. Congregation moved to this site, 1830. In mid-1830s Catherine Spalding founded orphanage and academy here. In 1841 center of America’s oldest inland diocese transferred from Bardstown to Louisville.

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Cathedral of the Assumption Benedict Flaget, "First Bishop of the West” moved here and is buried in crypt. Present church was begun in 1849 under leadership of Bishop Martin John Spalding and dedicated, Oct. 3, 1852. Building was planned by architect William Keely. Cathedral witnessed 1855 Bloody Monday riot and Civil War funeral services. On the National Register of Historic Places, 1977.

Erected 1978 by Kentucky Historical Society· Kentucky Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 1639.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list.

Location. 38° 15.122′ N, 85° 45.531′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Downtown.

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It is on S 5th Street near Cathedral School Court, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 433 S 5th Street, Louisville KY 40202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Ohio River Valley.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mother Catherine Spaulding (a few steps from this marker); Rotary Club of Louisville / Henry Watterson Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blue Boar Cafeteria (about 300 feet away); Thomas Merton - (1915-68) / A Revelation (about 500 feet away); Sit-In Demonstration Site (about 500 feet away); Bourbon District / Alley Gallery (about 500 feet away); The Seelbach Hotel, 1905 (about 500 feet away); Sit-in Demonstration Site (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . .
1. Cathedral of the Assumption. (Submitted on June 18, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Bloody Monday Historical Marker. Marker commemorating Bloody Monday, which is mentioned on the Cathedral's Marker. (Submitted on October 5, 2025, by Luke Toussaint of Glenview, Illinois.)

Photographed by Michael Herrick, May 19, 2017

2. Cathedral of the Assumption Marker

( back )

Photographed by Michael Herrick, May 19, 2017

3. Cathedral of the Assumption Marker

Cathedral of the Assumption - Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Herrick, May 19, 2017

4. Cathedral of the Assumption - Entrance

Cathedral of the Assumption - Spire image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Herrick, May 19, 2017

5. Cathedral of the Assumption - Spire

Photographed by Luke Toussaint, March 18, 2023

6. Cathedral of the Assumption Marker

Cathedral of the Assumption Marker (BACK) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Luke Toussaint, March 18, 2023

7. Cathedral of the Assumption Marker (BACK)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 635 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 18, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 6. submitted on October 5, 2025, by Luke Toussaint of Glenview, Illinois. 7. submitted on October 6, 2025, by Luke Toussaint of Glenview, Illinois.