South Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Churchill Downs
Photographed by Kevin W., August 26, 2024
1. Churchill Downs Marker
Home of the Kentucky Derby, the oldest continuously held sporting event in America, for 3-year-old thoroughbreds. Aristides, owned by H.P. McGrath & ridden by black jockey Oliver Lewis, Warren the 1st Derby in 1875. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of explorer Wm. Clark, named and modeled the Ky. Derby after English Epson Derby.
The track, owned by the Churchill family, was named in the 1880s. Twin spires, designed by J. Baldez, were built in 1895. Pari-mutuel betting machines were introduced in 1908. Other track events were state fairs, band concerts, auto and airplane races, military horse and tank shows, and a train wreck. First radio broadcast, 1925; first television broadcast, 1949.
Erected 2008 by Kentucky Historical Society; Kentucky Department of Highways, presented by the Kentucky Derby Museum. (Marker Number 2255.)
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 1875.
Location. 38° 12.315′ N, 85° 46.36′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in South Louisville. It can be reached from the intersection of Central Avenue and Rodman Street
this page online
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: A different marker also named Churchill Downs (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Churchill Downs (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kentucky Derby Walk of Champions (about 500 feet away); Churchill Downs Finish Line Pole (about 500 feet away); Roscoe Goose House / Golden Goose, 1891-1971 (approx. half a mile away); Ruff Memorial Wheelmen's Bench / Cycle Carnival 1897 (approx. half a mile away); University of Louisville (approx. 0.9 miles away); Founding of Jefferson Seminary (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.
Photographed by Kevin W., August 26, 2024
2. Churchill Downs Marker
Photographed by Kevin W., August 26, 2024
3. Churchill Downs Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 27, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
