Cherokee State Park
Side 1
Proposed in 1946 & opened in 1951, the only state park in Kentucky developed for African Americans. Closed by 1964. after Gov. Combs 1963 Exec. Order ended segregation in public facilities. 300 acres, beach, rental cottages, kitchen & dining hall, & picnic area. 2000 attended opening. Black families near and far vacationed here.
Side 2
Known as the state park for Kentucky's "Negro" citizens, Cherokee Park was a product of "Jim Crow" segregation. Built when African Americans fought to integrate recreation facilities in Louisville and other parts of Kentucky. Some thought park overdue. Others thought Cherokee an obstacle to full equality.
Erected 2010 by Kentucky Department of Highways & Kentucky Historical Society. (Marker Number 2320.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.
Location. 36° 46.399′ N, 88° 8.353′ W. Marker is in Aurora, Kentucky, in Marshall County. Marker is at the intersection of Cherokee Lane and U.S. 68 on Cherokee Lane. Marker is located on the north side of Cherokee Lane immediately east
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Jackson Purchase (approx. half a mile away); Civil War Sniper (approx. 3˝ miles away); Golden Pond (approx. 6.4 miles away); St. Joseph's Parish (approx. 6.4 miles away); Inundated Site (approx. 7.6 miles away); Drummer Boy at 7 (approx. 8.4 miles away); Laura Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 8.4 miles away); Wadesboro (approx. 9 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2017, by Michael Manning of Woodlawn, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 414 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2017, by Michael Manning of Woodlawn, Tennessee. 3. submitted on September 13, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.