Much of the early aviation history in Louisville is the result of the Aero Club of Louisville. Founding fathers included pilots returning from WWI & businessmen who saw the potential of aviation beyond military applications. A. H. Bowman, Sidney . . . — — Map (db m142853) HM
Kentucky's oldest civil airport was first used in 1919. Army Air Corps Reserve unit established three years later. Double hangars (west) housed 325th Observation Squadron. Terminal building, erected in 1929, was used by airlines through 1947. . . . — — Map (db m162001) HM
The east side of Bowman Field airport was expanded in 1940 to become the Bowman Field Air Base. It was a training facility with 124 buildings used by the U.S. Army Air Force throughout World War II. One hangar survives. Bowman Field was first used . . . — — Map (db m161999) HM
Rebecca Rosenthal Judah
1866-1932
Rebecca Rosenthal Judah organized the National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, and served as their president from 1896 to 1910. She worked to win women's right to vote and was also vice . . . — — Map (db m162000) HM
On June 17, 1835, the daughter of Zachary Taylor, Sarah Knox, married Jefferson Davis in the house that originally stood on this site. The home was owned by Zachary Taylor's sister. Soon after their marriage, while visiting Davis' relatives in . . . — — Map (db m161990) HM
Col. Frederick Geiger
In 1796, Revolutionary War veteran Frederick Geiger came to Jefferson Co. from Md. Settled in Butchertown in 1807. He raised a company of Ky. Mounted Riflemen for Gen. W. H. Harrison's 1811 Indian Campaign. Wounded at . . . — — Map (db m161156) HM
Earl McDonald (1885-1949) helped establish Louisville as the home of jug band music. An accomplished jug blower, vocalist, composer, leader, & recording artist. Bands in Australia, Europe, and Japan continue to admire, perform, and emulate his 42 . . . — — Map (db m161166) HM
( first panel )
Abraham Lincoln, his hand and pen He will be good but God knows when. Abraham Lincoln, ca. 1826-26
Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809, near Hodgenville, Kentucky. The Commonwealth of Kentucky dedicates this . . . — — Map (db m139475) HM
1809 Abraham Lincoln born at Sinking Spring farm, in present-day Larue County, Kentucky.
1816 Lincoln family moved from Kentucky.
1841 Abraham Lincoln visited his friend Joshua Speed at Farmington, the Speed family plantation, in . . . — — Map (db m104172) HM
Parish established in 1866 by Bishop Martin J. Spalding to serve the German and Irish Catholics in Butchertown. Reverend Leopold Walterspiel appointed to organize congregation under the patronage of St. Joseph. The present church was dedicated in . . . — — Map (db m161179) HM
The Heigold Facade
Christian Heigold, a German immigrant and stonecutter, came to Louisville sometime prior to 1850, and in 1857 he built his home at 264 Marion Street in an area known as the Point.
This was a period of unrest and attacks on . . . — — Map (db m104120) HM
Edison (1847-1931) rented a room in this house. As a young man he conducted experiments, often all night, then walked to his job as a telegraph operator at 58 West Main Street. Experimenting at work, he spilled acid and was fired. He left Louisville . . . — — Map (db m104469) HM
Louisville and Nashville Railroad
Chartered by the Kentucky General Assembly March 5, 1850. First track was laid near here
in July 1855. First train ran in August. 1855. First passenger station dedicated at 9th and Broadway in 1858. From it . . . — — Map (db m161252) HM
Near this site at Taylor Ave. and Poplar Level Rd. was headquarters of Camp Zachary Taylor. The WWI training camp named for President Zachary Taylor became one of 16 national army camps in the U.S. Begun in June 1917 and built in 90 days on 2,730 . . . — — Map (db m161325) HM
Highland Mothers Club
Founded by Mary K. Lee and the mothers of her Highlands students. They began meeting in their homes, & later at Douglas Blvd. Christian Church, before first local PTAs were organized. They studied and educated each . . . — — Map (db m161753) HM
The founding of this Legion dates to 1837, when a company was formed as the "Louisville Guards." The next year three more companies were organized. They were the "Washington Guards," "Kentucky Riflemen," and "Louisville Grays." These military . . . — — Map (db m161755) HM
She served as the first Episcopal Deaconess in charge of the Home of the Innocents from 1880 until her retirement in 1904. She oversaw the baptisms of 284 infants and developed & administered the first kindergarten at the Home in 1888. She retired . . . — — Map (db m161419) HM
Enid Yandell (1869-1934)
Challenged the role of women in the art world as a renowned sculptor. Born 1869 in Louisville and graduated Cinn. Art Acad. in 1899. Gained prominence sculpting caryatids for Woman's Building at 1893 World's Columbian . . . — — Map (db m101765) HM
Located west of 32nd and south of Garland Ave., "Little Africa" was original African American section of Parkland. Settled in 1870s, African Americans first called it "Needmore." "Little Africa" evolved from a shantytown into a thriving community by . . . — — Map (db m161683) HM
Carl Braden Memorial Center
Carl and Anne Braden were committed to bringing together people of color and white people to work for social and racial justice. National figures such as Dick Gregory, Angela Davis, Jesse Jackson, and Pete Seeger . . . — — Map (db m161250) HM
Muhammad Ali, then Cassius Clay, would train at Chickasaw Park. He would often wear old army boots and run to and from his home at 3302 Grand Avenue, even before school in the mornings. Neighbors saw Ali run at this park, wearing his Olympic garb . . . — — Map (db m248241) HM
Home of Anne & Carl Braden
4403 Virginia was longtime home of Anne and Carl Braden, early white allies of the southern civil rights movement. Segregationists marched here in 1954 after the couple helped an African American family desegregate . . . — — Map (db m161685) HM
Muhammad Ali's Home Site
Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. was born on January 17, 1942 at Louisville General Hospital. He grew up and lived here at 3302 Grand Ave. with his parents, Odessa & Cassius Clay, Sr., and brother, Rudolph. Ali attended . . . — — Map (db m161678) HM
Samuel M. Plato developed quality single-family housing for Blacks in West Louisville from 1945-1950. His firm, Plato Construction Company, built 88 homes in the Westover Neighborhood. Plato Terrace was named in his honor. Plato designed and built . . . — — Map (db m161702) HM
The Virginia Avenue Colored School opened in 1923. It was constructed via a million-dollar bond the Louisville Board of Education used to acquire sites and build new structures. Samuel Plato, one of the country’s first African American architects, . . . — — Map (db m161680) HM
Founded on May 9, 1842, the Kentucky School for the Blind became the sixth school for the blind in the United States. The Kentucky Legislature approved the founding of the school by charter on February 5, 1842.
Two of the most important . . . — — Map (db m104467) HM
Since 1842
The Kentucky School for the Blind, third such state supported school in US. Dr. Samuel G. Howe of Boston, pioneer educator of blind, invited to Kentucky to give public demonstration with his own pupils. Displayed before Ky. Legislature . . . — — Map (db m104425) HM
St. Frances of Rome Church
In 1886, Bishop McCloskey purchased Steller’s Woods at Cavewood Ave. (now Clifton) & Payne St. for a new parish. Named for Francesca Romana (1384-1440, canonized 1608, feast day Mar. 9), who inspired women to pray, . . . — — Map (db m161991) HM
St. Frances of Rome School
Opened Oct. 17, 1887. School first held in church, then wood-framed school, built 1889. Present bldg. designed by Thomas Nolan, Sr. in Spanish Baroque style, dedicated in 1930. By 1889, 203 students were enrolled. . . . — — Map (db m161992) HM
Crescent Hill Reservoir and Gatehouse
Louisville Water Company opened the Crescent Hill Reservoir in December 1879. Crews removed tons of dirt and rock to create a 110-million gallon basin that allowed sediment to settle from the Ohio River water. . . . — — Map (db m104423) HM
This historic property has served as a blacksmith shop, wagon making shop and general store. Begun by John and Barbara Bauer in 1870, their businesses flourished here, on a main turnpike to Louisville, and finally in 1918 evolved into the Bauer . . . — — Map (db m161988) HM
Filtration Plant
In the late 1800s, Louisville Water Company pioneered research in the filtration of drinking water. The Crescent Hill Filtration Plant opened in July 1909 as a result of the work of Chief Engineer Charles Hermany & George Warren . . . — — Map (db m104418) HM
Crescent Avenue was the entrance and main promenade of the Fair Grounds where Nat’l Agricultural and Kentucky fairs were held. The railroad, completed in 1851, provided easy access for visitors from Ky. and other states. The 38-acre tract had a . . . — — Map (db m161993) HM
"Neighborhood House". Begun in 1896 as first settlement house in Kentucky. The founders wanted to improve the lives of immigrants and urban residents by offering English and citizenship classes, job skills, public baths, kindergarten, and a . . . — — Map (db m308364) HM
In May 1968, a traffic stop of a Black schoolteacher, Charles Thomas, turned violent, leading to a Louisville Police officer's suspension, firing, then reinstatement. The reinstatement touched off days of civil unrest after a peaceful rally at 28th . . . — — Map (db m250696) HM
Built during the 1830’s, this and the adjoining building at 127 are all that remain of a cluster of five warehouses that stood on this site, two of which occupied the tract between the north wall and the alley. Such warehouses, located near the . . . — — Map (db m178319) HM
Built in 1978, Jefferson Square Park
memorializes first responders killed in the line
of duty. In 2020, it became a rallying place for
those demanding justice for Breonna Taylor, a
Black woman tragically killed by Louisville
Metro Police . . . — — Map (db m250697) HM
A total of 16,535,000 United States citizens served in this war. Out of 406,000 known casualties 1,122 were residents of Louisville and Jefferson County.
May 29, 1995 is set aside in the City of Louisville to honor veterans of World War II, and . . . — — Map (db m203241) HM WM
Born on this street, Alice Virginia was one of seven founders of P.E.O., an international philanthropic and educational organization for women. It began as a sorority at the Iowa Wesleyan College, 1869; owns Cottey College in Missouri, and provides . . . — — Map (db m203221) HM
Designed and built by Gideon Shryock, father of Greek Revival architecture in Kentucky. Bank was chartered by General Assembly in 1832 and building completed in 1837. — — Map (db m161202) HM
The Belle of Louisville, built in Pittsburgh in 1914, is the oldest continuously operating steamboat in the U.S. Warfboat LSS#10 is the only remaining inland Coast Guard Station in the U.S. Both were designated National Historic Landmarks in 1989. — — Map (db m104255) HM
Belle of Louisville
The Belle of Louisville was built (by the James Rees & Sons Company) in Pittsburgh in 1914 and commissioned the Idlewild. She first operated as a ferry at Memphis carrying passengers, freight, farm produce and . . . — — Map (db m104307) HM
Birth of Optimist International. In June 1919, Optimists from 11 cities met at the Tyler Hotel to organize Optimist International. The delegates at the convention elected William Henry Harrison of Louisville to serve as the first . . . — — Map (db m161225) HM
The Associated Advertising Clubs of America met at Galt House, on this site, for their fifth annual convention, 1909. Led by Samuel C. Dobbs, the convention took united action to challenge false advertising. This stand began concept of the Better . . . — — Map (db m178311) HM
Bourbon - America's native spirit - was born in Kentucky, created by mixing early settlers' distillation skills with the state's natural geology and geography.
Corn - the essential crop for bourbon - grows abundant here, as do the white . . . — — Map (db m178296) HM
Bourbon District
Sip, stroll and savor the birthplace of Bourbonism®
We are a city of hot browns and Ali, riverfront parks and Slugger bats. We throw parties for horse races and pronounce Louisville like we've already had a taste of . . . — — Map (db m271938) HM
Built in the Italianate style by tobacco merchant Francis S. J. Ronald in 1868, it was named for the Thomas Brennan family, who lived here from 1884-1969. A native of Ireland and an inventor, he and his wife, Anna, raised 8 children here. In 1912 . . . — — Map (db m161286) HM
James Bridgeford was born near Louisville in 1807. At 13, he left school and worked as an apprentice in his brother-in-law's metal working shop. By age 22, he had become a skilled metal worker and businessman with a savings of nearly $1,000. . . . — — Map (db m178297) HM
The full-scale assault on racial segregation in Louisville began in Feb. 1961, when local high school students staged non-violent demonstrations. Under leadership of the NAACP & CORE, they demanded passage of laws to end public racial . . . — — Map (db m178317) HM
Louisville’s most famous life saver at the Falls of the Ohio, Captain John F. (Jack) Gilooly (1855 - 1926), assisted in or effected the saving of 6,312 persons, property valued at $5,500,000, and recovery of 400 bodies of drowning victims. Perhaps . . . — — Map (db m104256) HM
Cathedral of the Assumption
Parish first gathered in 1805; founded by Father Stephen Badin, the first Roman Catholic priest ordained in U.S. Congregation moved to this site, 1830. In mid-1830s Catherine Spalding founded orphanage and academy here. . . . — — Map (db m104485) HM
Center Street C.M.E. Church
Center Street C.M.E. was outgrowth of M.E. Church South. Became first of denomination in Louisville during early 1870s and hosted 3rd General C.M.E. Conference in 1874. Under leadership of Dr. L. H. Brown, church . . . — — Map (db m161256) HM
First African American elected to southern state legislature in 20th century; six consecutive terms in Gen. Assembly, beginning in 1935. A Republican from Louisville, he sponsored repeal of Ky.'s public hanging law; funds for African Americans to . . . — — Map (db m161228) HM
City and County Named. Louisville, at the Falls of the Ohio, was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark. Site first served as a military outpost; the city which developed was named for Louis XVI. Kentucky Co., Virginia, was divided in 1780 . . . — — Map (db m104581) HM
In Spring 1960, sit-in demonstrations spread throughout the South, as young African Americans demanded an end to second-class treatment in restaurants, department stores, and movie theaters. In Louisville, the sit-in campaign for an ordinance . . . — — Map (db m178315) HM
Clarke & Loomis Architects
Charles Julian Clarke (1836-1908) of Frankfort, Ky. & Arthur Loomis (1858-1935) of Jeffersonville, In. collaborated from 1876 on many Louisville landmarks: Carter Dry Goods, Conrad-Caldwell House, Old Medical . . . — — Map (db m161203) HM
Distillery owner Richard Cummins built a second facility next to Coon Hollow called Big Springs. By the 1890s, the two distilleries had six bonded warehouses containing some 25,000 barrels of whiskey.
In addition to their own brands, the . . . — — Map (db m178301) HM
Louisville architect Dennis Xavier Murphy inherited a thriving architectural firm from Henry Whitestone and solidified it as a preeminent design firm in the growing city. The firm was well-known for its design of the Galt House Hotel; the . . . — — Map (db m204787) HM
Arrived in Ky. as early as 1781. Williams was picked in 1797 to serve on Louisville’s first elected Board of Trustees and was appointed Harbor Master for Port of Louisville same year. He was also major contractor in this area and built Jefferson . . . — — Map (db m104367) HM
A native of Wales, Williams came to Kentucky around 1780. In 1783, he built his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River, distilling whiskey from corn on the east side of what is now 5th Street. It is said to have been the first commercial . . . — — Map (db m104373) HM
The Shapira family, who founded Heaven Hill Distilleries in 1935, purchased the 528 Main Street building in 1954. The address had been home to one of Louisville's finest liquor wholesalers and distributors, the Phil. Hollenbach Company, during . . . — — Map (db m178305) HM
Site of J.F. Hillerich carpentry shop, 1875-1901. In 1894, J.F.’s son, J.A. “Bud” Hillerich, attended a Louisville Eclipse major league baseball game. After star player Pete Browning broke his bat, Hillerich offered to make a new one. Browning . . . — — Map (db m308438) HM
( left plaque )
Fort Nelson was the third pioneer settlement in Louisville and dates from 1782. The first was Corn Island (1778) and the second was Fort-On-Shore (1779) sited near 12th and Rowan Streets. Fort Nelson was named after the . . . — — Map (db m104416) HM
General George Rogers Clark
by
Felix W. de Weldon
A Gift to the People of Louisville
by the Hillman-Hopkins Family
( inscribed in the stones on the terrace )
In the spring of 1778, Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark led a small flotilla . . . — — Map (db m104250) HM
From its earliest beginnings, Louisville's wharf area has played an important role in the development of the city and the nation.
In 1778, George Rogers Clark chose Corn Island as his base of operations for a successful campaign against British . . . — — Map (db m178388) HM
Soldier, Patriot. Founder Of Louisville. Founder Of Kentucky. Conqueror of our first great west from the Alleghany Mountains to the Mississippi River. A son of Virginia. A gallant gentleman and a great American. — — Map (db m104489) HM
Born in Louisville, this actress appeared on Broadway in 1920s and then starred in forty-one comedy, dramatic, and musical films of the 1930s and 40s. Nominated five times for an Academy Award. Her noted films included “Show Boat” (1936), “Anna and . . . — — Map (db m104253) HM
James Graham Brown, philanthropist, lumberman, entrepreneur, builder of hotels, breeder of racehorses, was born in Indiana in 1881. In 1903, he moved to Kentucky and devoted his life, his wide-ranging talents, and indefatigable energy to Louisville . . . — — Map (db m178903) HM
J. Monks was a liquor wholesaler and rectifier specializing in foreign and domestic liquors and wines, cigars, tobacco, sugar, playing cards, cordials, bitters, and other bar supplies. There were certainly many bars to be supplied - before . . . — — Map (db m178307) HM
This statesman and entrepreneur fostered Louisville's growth from small town in 1810 to nation's 10th largest city in 1850. Promoted building of Portland Canal and the first R.R. bridge over Ohio River. As president of the University of Louisville, . . . — — Map (db m178347) HM
One of three original counties formed when Kentucky Co., Virginia, was divided by Va. Act in 1780. Other 2 counties were Lincoln and Fayette. Jefferson included 19 present-day counties; parts of 11 others. By 1811 reduced to present boundaries. . . . — — Map (db m205257) HM
The Jim Beam brand traces its story back to 1795 when Jim Beam's own great-grandfather, Jacob Beam, first ignited the family distilling dynasty. After Prohibition, Jim Beam successfully rebuilt the family distillery in 120 days to reopen in . . . — — Map (db m283157) HM
The Kentucky Distillers' Association held several important meetings at the historic Galt House in the 1890s.
On June 10th, 1880, representatives of 32 distilleries from across the state met in Louisville to create the Kentucky Distillers' . . . — — Map (db m178888) HM
Thornton and Lucie (also called Ruthy) Blackburn were slaves in Louisville, 1830-31. Thornton was hired out to Wurts and Reinhard's store at 4th and Main. When Lucie was sold to Virgil McKnight, the two escaped by steamboat. They were claimed two . . . — — Map (db m178310) HM
Kentucky
Medal Of Honor
Memorial
( east side )
The Medal of Honor
America’s highest award for combat valor, the Medal of Honor is presented to armed forces personnel who risked – and often gave – their lives in service . . . — — Map (db m104487) WM
Lewis and Clark in Kentucky
York
This enslaved African American who lived most of his life in Louisville, went on Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific, 1803-6. York was the first African American to cross the U.S. coast to coast and . . . — — Map (db m70385) HM
Life-saving stations, established by the Life-Saving Service, precursor to today's Coast Guard, were set up by the Federal Government along the western rivers in 1881 to provide aid to endangered river travelers. Louisville was the first locale . . . — — Map (db m104309) HM
Born in Louisville and educated at Male High School. Graduated first in Harvard Law School, class of 1877. Practiced law in Boston where he championed the rights of individuals and was known for his social activism. First Jew appointed to U.S. . . . — — Map (db m179129) HM
Louis XVI
1754 – 1793
King of France
1774 – 1793
This city was named Louisville in 1780 because of his support of the American Colonies in the Revolutionary War.
The statue, sculptured by Valois in 1827, was given to Louisville by her . . . — — Map (db m178318) HM
Roots traced to 1871, with meetings of lawyers advocating legal reform. Those efforts led to state law guaranteeing that a witness could not be barred from testifying on basis of race or color. Officially established on January 13, 1900, the LBA is . . . — — Map (db m161234) HM
The Louisville Board of Trade, the forerunner to a modern chamber of commerce, was founded in 1862 for members' "mutual protection" and to promote "transportation of commodities." By 1890 the Board had over 40 members associated with the bourbon . . . — — Map (db m178883) HM
“This Memorial
Is Dedicated To The
Firefighters Who
Have Fallen In
The Line Of Duty”
( fire fighters )
Jack Hunt Oct 12, 1874 · Joseph Connell Nov 13, 1886 · Nicholas Lawrence Jan 31, 1888 · Dennis Hamilton Feb 17, . . . — — Map (db m104724) HM
Dedicated To The
Memory Of Those
Law Enforcement
Officers Who Have
Given Their Lives In
The Line Of Duty
John O’Connell LPD July 8, 1869 · Edward Burne LPD July 4, 1895 · Theodore Bossung LPD November 15, 1907 · William Murphy, LPD . . . — — Map (db m104726) HM
Founded in 1869, the college was one of four medical institutions in city which merged with Medical Dept. of University of Louisville, 1908. College built this limestone Richardsonian Romanesque structure 1891-1893. Building was designed by firm of . . . — — Map (db m161258) HM
Kentucky's abundance of natural limestone aquifers provides a water source that's perfect for making drinking water and bourbon. The water is rich in calcium and magnesium and free of impurities like iron, which can discolor bourbon and give . . . — — Map (db m178299) HM
Evolving from the primitive landing of Louisville’s earliest days, the wharf had become a cobblestoned center of city life by the mid-1820s. By the 1850's, as many as 20 steamboats a day arrived and departed here. It was never more active than . . . — — Map (db m104311) HM
World-famed Louisville actress who made her debut in this city at Macauley's Theater November 27, 1875, and went on to triumphs in Shakespearean roles in New York and England where she retired after marriage. — — Map (db m179216) HM
Mayor Andrew Broaddus
Has Been Designated A
National
Historic Landmark
This Site Posseeses National Significance
In Commemorating The History of the
United States of America
1989
National Park Service
United States Department of . . . — — Map (db m104308) HM
Beginning in 1831, Mother Catherine Spalding was the vital leader in forming what we now refer to today as "Compassionate Louisville” initiating groundbreaking programs in education, health care, and social service.
Downtown Louisville is a . . . — — Map (db m310122) HM
Nannie Helen Burroughs A suffragist, orator, educator, & club/church leader for gender and racial equality, she worked in Louisville for the Foreign Mission Board of Nat’l Baptist Convention from 1900-1910. She created the Woman’s Industrial . . . — — Map (db m203253) HM
Site of Kentucky's only Catholic high school for blacks. It existed at this location from 1928-1958, operated by the Archdiocese of Louisville. Founded in 1921, the school was administered by pastors of St. Augustine and St. Peter Claver churches, . . . — — Map (db m162237) HM
Old Forester Distilling Co. continues a legacy that began in 1870. Young pharmaceutical sales rep George Garvin Brown sealed his whiskey exclusively in a glass bottle — an innovative approach when whiskey was commonly sold by the barrel and . . . — — Map (db m178303) HM
On this site stood the George D. Prentice School, which was one of nineteen in Louisville that were commandeered for use as hospitals during Civil War. Worden Pope, an early Louisville civic and political leader, built his home here ca. 1830. It . . . — — Map (db m203373) HM
Rotary Club of Louisville. First Rotary Club in Ky. and 45th in the world. First met on July 26, 1912 and then weekly at the Henry Watterson Hotel from 1912-1924. The Rotary’s service theme led to creation of Ky. Soc. for Crippled Children. . . . — — Map (db m104472) HM
Scottish Rite Temple
Home of Grand Consistory of Ky., a branch of Freemasonry. Chartered 1852 in Louisville by Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction of U.S. of America. Oldest Body under . . . — — Map (db m162238) HM
Second African Baptist Church, now Green Street Baptist Church, was formally organized here, Sept. 29, 1844. As was usual in the years of slavery, the founding members had the sponsorship of a protection committee, appointed by First Baptist . . . — — Map (db m103608) HM
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