Bardstown in Nelson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Bardstown
Photographed by Karl Stelly, June 2, 2014
1. Bardstown Marker
Primary side of marker
Side A
Bardstown area was explored in mid-1770s. William Bard came here in 1780 as agent for his brother David, and John C. Owings and laid off the town. Settlement was first called Salem. A land grant of 1000 acres was issued by the Virginia General Assembly in 1785. Of this land 100 acres, including Salem, were set aside for county seat.
Side B
William Bard laid off the town and granted two acres for erection of courthouse and other public buildings in the name of his brother David, who remained in Pennsylvania. The first courthouse, of hewn logs, was built 1785; by then the town was called Baird's Town, a variation of family name. It was designated Bardstown when incorporated in 1788.
Erected 1980 by The Kentucky Historical Society & The Kentucky Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 1668.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.
Location. 37° 48.534′ N, 85° 27.99′ W. Marker is in Bardstown, Kentucky,
this page online
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: McLean House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named McLean House (a few steps from this marker); Nelson Countians who served and Gave All (a few steps from this marker); Nelson County World War I, World War II, Korean War, & Vietnam War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam 1969 Memorial (within shouting distance of
Photographed by Karl Stelly, June 2, 2014
2. Bardstown Marker
Reverse side of marker
Photographed by Karl Stelly, June 2, 2014
3. Building on the Corner
Brick building on the southeast corner of the square. Address is 105 East Stephen Foster Avenue. The Bardstown Historic marker would be just off the right edge of the photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2014, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,669 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2014, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
