Bedford in Trimble County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Bedford Springs and Hotel

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019

1. Bedford Springs and Hotel Marker

Inscription. Mineral springs discovered circa 1840 by Mr. and Mrs. Noah Parker, who found water unusual in taste and of medicinal value. The Parkers soon erected hotel and, with son Nathan, owned and managed noted antebellum health resort, which fostered Bedford’s growth. After 1851 cholera epidemic, resort declined. The former hotel burned in 1967.

Erected 1993 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1823.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 38° 34.976′ N, 85° 19.216′ W. Marker is in Bedford, Kentucky, in Trimble County. Marker is on Shepherd Lane west of Main Street (U.S. 42), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Shepherd Ln, Bedford KY 40006, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. County Named, 1836 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Trimble County Jail (approx. ¾ mile away); Hancock House (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Rowlett House

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(approx. 5.4 miles away); Petticoat Abolitionist (approx. 9.4 miles away); Scott's Blockhouse (approx. 9.9 miles away); Old Ky. River Toll Bridge (approx. 10 miles away); First Explored (approx. 10 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bedford.

Also see . . . A Historical Sketch of Trimble County. 1920 speech by John C. Strother. Excerpt:

According to tradition, on one Sunday afternoon in April of 1836, Noah Parker, a prominent citizen of Bedford, and his wife, started out hunting for turkey nests. Growing tired of walking, they sat down at the foot of a hill where a little stream of water ran out of the soil. They drank of the water, which had a peculiar taste, attracting their attention. They had the water analyzed, and it was found to contain very valuable medical properties. They at once opened Bedford Springs, about a half a mile West of the town of Bedford. At first the improvements were modest, but they were increased from year to year, until 1848, when the Bedford Springs was one of the most noted in the state, having accommodations in a large Hotel and many cottages, and was visited by people
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019

2. Bedford Springs and Hotel Marker
in search of the recreation it afforded and of the benefits of its health-giving water, from Louisville and practically all over the south. Many noted people were visitors there, among them being Governor Lazarus W. Powell, who spent his vacation there in 1851, just before he was elected Governor. It was doubtless during that visit that the plans were laid for his campaign. There was a clubhouse furnishing wines and other necessaries for the convivialities of the times.

(Submitted on July 3, 2019.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 306 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.