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

Douglas Park Racetrack

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 27, 2020

1. Douglas Park Racetrack Marker

Inscription. Developed and owned by Col. Jim Douglas, it opened in 1895 as a trotting track. Directly competed with Churchill Downs after 1906, when it changed to a Thoroughbred racing venue. Track drew national praise, from 1912-18, as home of the renowned Kentucky Handicap. In 1919, became part of Kentucky Jockey Club and was controlled by Churchill Downs. Closed in 1958.

Erected 2010 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2336.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 38° 10.758′ N, 85° 45.879′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Beechmont. Marker is at the intersection of Southside Drive (State Road 1020) and West Kenwood Way, on the left when traveling south on Southside Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Louisville KY 40214, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Naval Ordnance Plant / Naval Ordnance Station, "Gunsmith to the Navy" (approx. 0.7 miles away); Highland Park (approx. one mile away); Southern Parkway / Iroquois Park (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Little Loomhouse / Happy Birthday to You

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(approx. 1.3 miles away); Ruff Memorial Wheelmen's Bench / Cycle Carnival 1897 (approx. 1.6 miles away); Iroquois Amphitheater / Works Progress Admin., 1935-1943 (approx. 1.6 miles away); Kenwood Drive-In (approx. 1.6 miles away); Roscoe Goose House / Golden Goose, 1891-1971 (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.

Also see . . . Douglas Park Racetrack. From Kentucky Historical Society's Explore KY History project. (Submitted on December 3, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 27, 2020

2. Douglas Park Racetrack Marker

Looking east across Southside Drive.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 519 times since then and 124 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 3, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.