Bardstown in Nelson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Tannery Hill Hiking Trail

Welcome!

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 29, 2025

1. Tannery Hill Hiking Trail Marker

Inscription.
About the Trail
This nearly one-mile loop trail takes you through the wetland area surrounding Town Creek and up and along a rock shelf and bluff that looks down into the valley before leafing back down to the creek where you started. Hikers should be aware that this trail passes through a wetland area and includes two creek crossings (waterproof boots recommended outside of dry seasons) as well as some steep climbs and descents along the trail.

Hiking with History
Tannery Hill Trail is located on property which previously belonged to Benjamin Doom. Doom was born near Bardstown (at that time Salem, Virginia) in 1782. He was born into poverty, and lost his father at a young age. At this time, losing a father qualified the child as an orphan, even if their mother was still alive and present. For this reason, Doom was contracted to another male figure in town to do apprentice work as a tanner (a person who tans animal hides) until the age of 21. Following the termination of his contract, Doom stayed with the tanning profession and opened Kentucky's first tannery. The tannery was located on property that sat just below

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his home, which currently sits on East Stephen Foster (built in 1820). This location was perfect because the water from Town Creek was a natural resource that he could use as part of the process of tanning hides. Doom was able to capture a pool of water to soak the hides in along with bark tannins (mostly oak). The hides would soak until the fur was soft enough to easily remove. The water could then be used to add coloring to the hide before it was stretched and dried to create the end product. At this time, the primary use for leather was for horse saddles, boots/shoes, and clothing. Doom's leather business helped turn his life from one of poverty to one of luxury. The preservation of this property is important to us for the history as well as the naturally diverse landscapes you will find on this trail. The base of the trail is primarily wetlands, and as you cross the creek to climb, you will find yourself in a cedar forest. You will circle back down to Gathering Rock, a fantastic place for a picnic, before heading back to the trailhead. - Elliot Mattingly

(aside:)

Artist Illustration of Benjamin Doom from Dec 19 1948 Edition of The Courier Journal.

Benjamin

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 29, 2025

2. Tannery Hill Hiking Trail Marker

Doom was born in 1782, near Bardstown. He is credited with establishing the first tannery in Kentucky, and by penurious living amassed a large fortune. An example of his frugality is the following story told of him.

On the day preceding his marriage he quit work at 4 o'clock, and on the same evening borrowed a pair of shoes and a pair of hose, and rode on horseback to his bride's residence, near the mouth of Harrod's Creek. He was married on Sunday morning, and in the afternoon returned to his home on horseback with his bride behind him. She prepared breakfast for his hired help before 6 o'clock Monday morning, then washed out the hose, which Ben returned to the owner during the dinner hour. -

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1782.

Location. 37° 48.422′ N, 85° 27.658′ W. Marker is in Bardstown, Kentucky, in Nelson County. It is on County Route 8005A south of East Stephen Foster Avenue (U.S. 62). Marker is at the Tannery Hill trailhead. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 417 E Stephen

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 29, 2025

3. Tannery Hill Hiking Trail Marker

Foster Ave, Bardstown KY 40004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Louisville Area.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

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: Tannery Hill (here, next to this marker); Austin Hubbard (Narcissa) House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cistern (approx. ¼ mile away); The Cobblestone Path (approx. ¼ mile away); Federal Hill (approx. 0.3 miles away); My Old Kentucky Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mack Rowan (approx. 0.3 miles away); Adam Anthony House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bardstown.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 16, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on October 17, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.