Portland in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Portland
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Our Lady Church
Photographed by Karl Stelly, September 12, 2013
1. Portland Historical Marker
Portland. French immigrants established a community here in 1806. In 1814 it was surveyed and platted. By 1837 it was incorporated as a suburb of Louisville. It was an early port and boatbuilding center - 41 steamers had been built by 1855. Portland was site of first tramway in US, connecting it with Louisville, and once famous hostelry of South, St. Charles Hotel.
Our Lady Church. Congregation organized in 1837 - 38 by Father Stephen Badin, the first priest ordained in U.S. He saw to Portland's spiritual welfare when it was first a community of French immigrants. Also helpful in forming church were Bishop Flaget, first bishop west of Alleghenies, and Bishop Chabrat, first to be ordained in Ky. Bricks in original church, 1841, used for this building.
Erected 1970 by The Kentucky Historical Society & The Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1312.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1806.
Location. 38° 16.577′ N, 85° 48.296′ W.
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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: Landmark Civil Rights Victory (approx. Ό mile away); Grave of Steamboat Captain (approx. Ό mile away); First Successful Manufacture of Plate Glass in America (approx. 0.8 miles away in Indiana); The Culbertson House (approx. 0.8 miles away in Indiana); The Mansion on Main (approx. 0.8 miles away in Indiana); Mansions of New Albany (approx. 0.8 miles away in Indiana); Culbertson Mansion (approx. 0.8 miles away in Indiana); Michael C. Kerr Home (approx. 0.8 miles away in Indiana). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.
Photographed by Karl Stelly, September 12, 2013
2. Our Lady Church Historical Marker
This is the reverse side of the Portland Historical Marker.
Photographed by Karl Stelly, September 12, 2013
3. Portland Marker & Mooring Ring Display
At the corner of Rudd Avenue & Cedar Grove Terrace
Photographed by Karl Stelly, September 12, 2013
4. Our Lady Church
On Rudd Avenue. The church is now known as the Good Shepherd Church.
Photographed by Karl Stelly, September 12, 2013
5. Mooring Rings
Mooring Rings from the Portland Wharf, 1799 - 1800. This display is a few steps away from the Portland Historical Marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2013, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,525 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 17, 2013, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
