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

The Fair Grounds 1853-73

By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 28, 2020

1. The Fair Grounds 1853-73 Marker (Side A)

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Crescent Avenue was the entrance and main promenade of the Fair Grounds where Nat’l Agricultural and Kentucky fairs were held. The railroad, completed in 1851, provided easy access for visitors from Ky. and other states. The 38-acre tract had a stadium that seated 10,000 and many other exhibition buildings.

During the Civil War, the Fair Grounds were occupied by the Kentucky State Guard, and later by Union soldiers. By 1875, the land was subdivided into lots and sold. Beginning in 1895, the town of Crescent Hill was gradually annexed into the City of Louisville. Crescent Ave. remained a railroad stop for many years.
Dedicated to Samuel W. Thomas, 1938-2012.

Erected 2014 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2443.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list.

Location. 38° 15.283′

The Fair Grounds 1853-73 Marker (Side B) image. Click for full size.

By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 28, 2020

2. The Fair Grounds 1853-73 Marker (Side B)

N, 85° 41.2′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of Crescent Avenue and Frankfort Avenue (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling north on Crescent Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Louisville KY 40206, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Filtration Plant / Reservoir and Gatehouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Crescent Hill Reservoir and Gatehouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Beechland (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mockingbird Valley (approx. 0.8 miles away); Early Blacksmith Shop (approx. 1.1 miles away); Spring Fort Built Before 1782 (approx. 1.1 miles away); St. Frances of Rome Church / Catholic & Clifton History (approx. 1.1 miles away); St. Frances of Rome School / Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.

The Fair Grounds 1853-73 Marker image. Click for full size.

By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 28, 2020

3. The Fair Grounds 1853-73 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2020, by Duane Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 42 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2020, by Duane Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on December 8, 2020, by Duane Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.