Shepherdsville in Bullitt County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Kentucky Black Trailblazers
Annie Reed Reverend C.H. Parrish Mattie Owens
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 27, 2025
1. Kentucky Black Trailblazers Marker
Annie Reed
Annie Reed faced limited options in a segregated society. She was a dressmaker, laundress, caretaker for the Hurst family's children, and a survivor of Kentucky's 1917 train accident. Although physically unharmed by the accident, Annie carried emotional scars. Through her descendants, the family continues to make an impact in Kentucky.
Reverend C.H. Parrish
Experience Eckstein Norton University, established in 1899 by Reverend C.H. Parrish. This esteemed institution flourished, providing extensive carpentry, bookkeeping, and theology courses. By 1911, the university attracted 1,794 students from 14 states and merged with Lincoln Institute in 1912. Celebrate the heritage of education, empowerment, and spirituality that defined its legacy.
Mattie Owens
Experience the history of Bowman Valley School, founded in 1916 near Shepherdsville, an institution that provided education for Black students. Mattie Owens instructed grades 1-8 in a single room. The school flourished until desegregation in 1957. Today, it stands at Bullitt County Board of Education as a cherished symbol of preservation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Disasters • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Louisville Area. It is also 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: Adam Shepherd (a few steps from this marker); County Named, 1796 (within shouting distance of this marker); Bullitt County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1917 Train Wreck (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alma Wallace Lesch (approx. 0.2 miles away); Shepherdsville Pioneer Graveyard (approx. Ό mile away); L & N Bridge - Civil War (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort DeWolf (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shepherdsville.
Also see . . . Stories of Strength & Resilience... Kentucky Black Trailblazers
Kentucky Black Trailblazers is a first-of-its-kind, immersive experience that tells the stories of several influential Black Kentuckians.(Submitted on July 13, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Using cutting-edge augmented reality technology, history is brought to life in an engaging, educational, and interactive way. From renowned activiststo unsung heroes, this experience showcases the diverse narratives that have shaped Kentuckys cultural landscape and beyond.Photographed by Mark Parker, March 27, 20252. Closeup of Annie Reed Panel
In other words, youve never experienced history like this.
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 27, 2025
3. Closeup of Reverend C.H. Parrish panel
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 27, 2025
4. Closeup of Mattie Owens panel
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 27, 2025
5. Wider view of Kentucky Black Trailblazers Marker
Historic Bullitt County Courthouse in the background
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, July 11, 2025
6. Kentucky Black Trailblazers Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 2, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 6. submitted on July 11, 2025, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
