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

James Guthrie (1792-1869)

Photographed by Shane Oliver, July 3, 2021

1. James Guthrie (1792-1869) Marker Front

Inscription. This statesman and entrepreneur fostered Louisville's growth from small town in 1810 to nation's 10th largest city in 1850. Promoted building of Portland Canal and the first R.R. bridge over Ohio River. As president of the University of Louisville, he established its medical college & academic dept.

Guthrie served in the state legislature, 1827-40. In 1849 he presided over the third Kentucky Constitutional Convention. Pres. Franklin Pierce named him secretary of the U.S. Treasury, 1853-57. As president of L&N Railroad, 1860 to 1868, he was instrumental in keeping Ky. in Union during Civil War. He was U.S. senator, 1865-68.
Presented by Clan Guthrie - USA

Erected 1997 by Kentucky Historical Society - Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1494.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.

Location. 38° 15.003′ N, 85° 45.452′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Downtown. It is on Guthrie Street near S 4th Street,

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on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: Speed Building (a few steps from this marker); Sit-in Demonstration Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil Rights Movement Overview - Fourth Street Sit-In Demonstration Sites (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Sit-in Demonstration Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Campaign to End Racial Segregation in Louisville (about 400 feet away); The Seelbach Hotel, 1905 (about 400 feet away); Thomas Merton - (1915-68) / A Revelation (about 400 feet away); 50th Anniversary of the End of World War II (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.

More about this marker. A duplicate of this marker is located at James Guthrie's gravesite at Cave Hill Cemetery.

James Guthrie (1792-1869) Marker Rear image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Shane Oliver, July 3, 2021

2. James Guthrie (1792-1869) Marker Rear

James Guthrie (1792-1869) Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., August 26, 2024

3. James Guthrie (1792-1869) Marker

The Speed Building is in the background.

Speed Building National Register plaque. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., August 26, 2024

4. Speed Building National Register plaque.

The James Guthrie (1792-1869) Marker is located near the Speed Building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. See nearby markers for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 550 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on July 31, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on August 26, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.