On Jan. 6, 1891, Harry Merriwether purchased 1.5 acres overlooking Harrods Creek from Allison family. Property transferred to his grandson, Harry Hall Merriwether, May 3, 1898, who built the unique house that stands today. The Merriwether family . . . — — Map (db m161774) HM
Civil Rights Struggle, 1954
Louisville suburbs were racially segregated when African Americans Andrew and Charlotte Wade moved to Rone Court on May 15, 1954, two days before the Supreme Court condemned school segregation. Neighbors burned a . . . — — Map (db m161674) HM
President Abraham Lincoln and Congress resisted the enlistment of African Americans into the military during the early stages of the Civil War despite intense pressure from abolitionists. This changed in July 1862, when Congress passed the Second . . . — — Map (db m169974) HM
(South Face)
To Those Buried Here
Here lie the bodies of numerous unknown Tennessee white refugees and Kentucky African-American refugees who perished from disease while at Camp Nelson. These civilians sought freedom and protection . . . — — Map (db m169907) HM WM
Founded in 1863 as a Union supply depot, hospital, and encampment, in 1864 Camp Nelson became Kentucky's largest, and nation's third largest, recruitment center for African - American soldiers, the U. S. Colored Troops (USCT). Eight USCT regiments . . . — — Map (db m169950) HM
(obverse)
Camp Nelson Refugee Camp
Established in 1863 to house families of African American soldiers, Camp Nelson became the chief center issuing emancipation papers to former slaves. Army's withdrawal from camp in 1866 exposed . . . — — Map (db m70629) HM
Impressed Labor for the Army
To fill the labor requirements
caused by the Civil War, the Union
army impressed Kentucky slaves
to work on various construction
projects. Of special concern were
transportation and . . . — — Map (db m169970) HM
The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, enacted on December 18, 1865, abolished slavery within the United States. Immediately before the ratification of this amendment, slavery remained legal only in Kentucky and Delaware. Elsewhere, slaves . . . — — Map (db m169975) HM
One of Four Cemeteries at Camp Nelson
This cemetery is one of four documented at Camp Nelson; the others being Graveyard No. 2 (the present Camp Nelson National Cemetery) and two smallpox cemeteries located to the west of U.S. 27. . . . — — Map (db m167485) HM
Covington native Benjamin F. Howard (1860-1918) was co-founder, with Arthur J. Riggs of Shelbyville of the first national African American Elks organization, called Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. Chartered in Ohio, 1899; . . . — — Map (db m174664) HM
Born in Missouri, Randolph earned a medical degree from Meharry College in Nashville, Tenn., in 1917. He moved to Covington in 1922 and opened an office on Greenup St., where he practiced for 59 years. He was the first African American physician at . . . — — Map (db m174665) HM
This prominent black businessman
owned and operated a lumberyard
at 426-428 Madison Avenue. As a
Baptist minister, Price was major
figure in development of city's
black churches. He was also a
leader in obtaining free public
education for . . . — — Map (db m174669) HM
The life of this one man summarizes the experiences of millions of
Afro-Americans. Born in Africa in the early Nineteenth Century, slave traders
brought Bradley to America as an infant. By the time he was 18 years old,
Bradley managed his . . . — — Map (db m135910) HM
SLAVE ESCAPE
On a snowy night in January 1856,
seventeen slaves fled, at foot of
Main Street, across frozen Ohio
River. Margaret Garner was in this
group. When arrested in Ohio, she
killed little daughter rather than
see her returned to . . . — — Map (db m130077) HM
William L. Grant
Wm. Grant (1820-82), Covington city clerk, councilman, and state rep., supported public education for black children. He deeded land on Seventh Street for elementary school, which opened 1880; renamed Lincoln School 1909. A . . . — — Map (db m174668) HM
Built ca. 1845, this Greek Revival home served as summer residence for Louisiana plantation owner Wm. Butler Kenner. He brought slaves with him, some of whom escaped to Ohio. During the periods when the house was vacant, it is said to have been a . . . — — Map (db m187397) HM
In the early 1900s, Jenkins and other coal towns saw an increase in their black populations, as African Americans from the rural South moved to the region seeking work in the coal mines. To segregate the children of these families from the white . . . — — Map (db m212050) HM
Dunham High School opened in 1931 as the only high school for black students in Letcher County. The school educated students from the Jenkins, McRoberts, Fleming, and Haymond areas. Dunham High School remained open until 1964, a decade after . . . — — Map (db m212103) HM
One of several “free towns” in Lincoln Co. Created in 1867 from Hugh Hays’ estate and named for founder, Napoleon Bonaparte Hays (1838-1907). “Boney” earned freedom in 1864 enlisting at Camp Nelson as Pvt., Co. C., 12th Regt. . . . — — Map (db m120132) HM
The General and Statesman
Isaac Shelby’s military decisions at the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1779 secured a critical victory for America during the Revolutionary War. Before war’s end, Shelby had also served in the North Carolina . . . — — Map (db m120217) HM
Civil Rights Activist Author
In 1948, Alice Dunnigan was first black reporter on campaign trail with a president--Truman. Under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, she was member of President's Committee on Equal Opportunity. Author of: A . . . — — Map (db m123369) HM
Bibb, a Revolutionary War soldier was born in Va., 1752. He came to Lexington, Kentucky in 1798; moved to Logan Co. the next year where he built Bibb's Chapel. Later erected this house for his wife. Maj. Bibb freed 29 of his slaves in 1829 and sent . . . — — Map (db m123348) HM
Church became known as a temple after a news story praised its windows during 1917 renovation. Its first pipe organ was provided by matching funds from Andrew Carnegie. Here, on Christians Heritage Day 1965, Logan Countians honored the memory of . . . — — Map (db m123353) HM
Born in Lyon County Kentucky, Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith (1843-1932) served as a member of the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the United States Army. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy . . . — — Map (db m124038) HM
During the Civil War, Kentucky was a Unionist, slave-owning state. When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it did not legally affect slavery in Kentucky. The Proclamation only applied to areas that . . . — — Map (db m202780) HM
With the Louisville & Nashville Railroad running through Lebanon, during the Civil War the Union army frequently established camps here. In Sept. 1861, Col. John M. Harlan founded Camp Crittenden and org. the 10th Ky. Union Inf. at Lebanon. . . . — — Map (db m214783) HM
Bishop John Lancaster Spalding, also sociologist and writer, born here on June 2, 1840. Graduated St. Mary's College, 1856, at age 16. He was ordained at American College, Louvain, Belgium, 1863. Organized first Louisville Negro parish, St. . . . — — Map (db m99409) HM
This Rosenwald School (1931-1961) is one of 158 schools built in Ky., 1917-1932. The building projects were initiated by the African American community and funded with aid of Julius Rosenwald and philanthropists to provide quality education to the . . . — — Map (db m99429) HM
Side 1 Proposed in 1946 & opened in 1951, the only state park in Kentucky developed for African Americans. Closed by 1964. after Gov. Combs 1963 Exec. Order ended segregation in public facilities. 300 acres, beach, rental cottages, kitchen . . . — — Map (db m105930) HM
Placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
The school is the only surviving Rosenwald school of its type in northern Kentucky and was the first consolidated Negro school for Mason . . . — — Map (db m218020) HM
Third Negro to graduate from West Point Military Academy. Colonel, United States Army. Distinguished for his service in Haiti and Liberia as a military organizer, map maker and road builder. — — Map (db m83552) HM
Side 1
Born into slavery in Bourbon County, Elisha Green grew up in Mason County at "Glen Alice" farm outside Maysville. He later purchased freedom for himself and part of his family. A spiritual leader, he helped form African American . . . — — Map (db m83624) HM
Prior to the end of the Civil War, escaping slaves sought freedom via the Underground Rail Road. Fugitives led by "conductors" traveled by darkness to refuges or "stations." Quilts often guided them, sometimes with the Drinking Gourd (Big Dipper) . . . — — Map (db m83976) HM
In the 1795 home of Marshall Key, Mason County
Clerk. Museum explorers (sic) the local tradition that
Harriet Beecher visited this home in the 1830-40's,
and drew upon her experience as a witness to slavery
when writing her novel Uncle . . . — — Map (db m217962) HM
Early Methodist Church formed in
1882. Began as a one-room frame
building in 1874 during post-conscription
era by free persons of color. Church
destroyed by fire on three occasions;
current structure built 1941 and
continues to hold services . . . — — Map (db m217958) HM
Traditionally on August 8, African Americans assemble in Paducah to celebrate freedom and pay tribute to their roots. They gather annually for dances, ballgames, and picnics, as a family occasion and in a spirit of community remembrance. In some . . . — — Map (db m158747) HM
During the Civil War, Paducah was the first city in Ky. where an African American regiment, the 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery, was officially organized & credited to the state. Parts of other black regiments also recruited here. Slaves who . . . — — Map (db m154726) HM
During February 1864, the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, Lorenzo Thomas, under the direction of the Secretary of War, Edwin L. Stanton, authorized the recruitment of African Americans by the Union Army in Kentucky. The 8th United States Heavy . . . — — Map (db m48462) HM
Organized ca. 1871 at home of Dinah Jarrett with 12 members. Named for founder, Moses Burks. On this site was first structure, frame church. Brick church built, 1874. In 1911, under the Rev. P. A. Nichols, present edifice was constructed. Rev. G. H. . . . — — Map (db m158746) HM
Front
Dr. Nelson was born in Paris, Ky. and graduated from Lincoln High School in Paducah. During World War I he served in combat as a 1st lieutenant. Returning to his studies, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in . . . — — Map (db m146182) HM
Founded at 707 Broadway in 1932, this is oldest non-denominational two-year college in Ky. Originally private, Paducah. Jr. College was a municipal institution, 1936-1968. In 1949-53 college became focal point of NAACP's successful . . . — — Map (db m158847) HM
Nelson was a graduate of Lincoln High School, commissioned officer in WWI, and president of several major universities. He marched with Ghandi in India and with Dr. King in Alabama.
Burks Chapel AME,7th and Ohio, ran the first school for Negro . . . — — Map (db m49753) HM
Organized 1855 in log cabin near this site, led by George Brent, member Paducah First Baptist Church. Second was frame building, built by slaves, under leadership of Rev. George W. (“Pappy”) Dupee, the first pastor constituted on February 4, . . . — — Map (db m158781) HM
Ground broken for this college on Dec. 9, 1909, by Dr. Dennis H. Anderson, who had a determination to improve education for Negroes in Kentucky. Cornerstone for first building laid, 1911. Dr. Anderson failed to get bill passed in 1912 legislature . . . — — Map (db m158816) HM
The Underground Railroad conducted slaves to freedom. Meade County’s location on the Ohio River made it a major artery into Indiana. The Brandenburg Ferry, owned by the Bell family was an important station on the Underground Railroad. In 1857, a . . . — — Map (db m123344) HM
Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church organized in 1864, the first colored church in Meade County established in conjunction with the efforts of Buck Grove Baptist Church, on land donated by Brother Cato VanMeter, with Rev. Andrew Allen as the first . . . — — Map (db m204291) HM
First Baptist Church. This rectangular brick structure has its principal three-bay façade in the gable end. Front facade consists of two equally~spaced doorways separated by a window. The doors and a stained glass transom are enclosed in a . . . — — Map (db m153028) HM
This congregation was formed circa 1839. In 1885 they founded Wayman Institute to provide higher education for African American youth. The present Classical Revival building was erected in 1917 with much of the labor being provided by church members. — — Map (db m152875) HM
This African American School was erected on this property in 1930, thanks to a donation from the Julius Rosenwald Fund. west Side was the only elementary and high school for African American children in Mercer County. It united the faculty, . . . — — Map (db m153033) HM
Built in 1846 by freed slaves of William Howard, who gave them 400 acres on which to build homes, known since then as Free-Town. Albert Martin gave them the land for the church. No replacements of the original building material of this church, . . . — — Map (db m132247) HM
Like most Baptist churches in South-Central Kentucky during the pioneer era, Mill Creek permitted the enslaved to worship with them and in some instances even to join the church. Since the Meetinghouse did not have a gallery, custom required that . . . — — Map (db m183990) HM
William Howard and his wife, Jane Hart Howard (#56 on map), were members of the Mill Creek Church and remained members of the Mulkey Meetinghouse after the split in 1809. Jane spent much of her time caring for the sick in the community. Her personal . . . — — Map (db m154993) HM
This 24th bishop of A. M. E. Zion Church was born in Bardstown and educated under church auspices. Local A.M.E. Zion Church sponsored him for ministry. Licensed to preach, 1877; elected bishop, 1892. Served as president of National Afro-American . . . — — Map (db m171594) HM
Austin Hubbard owned this house until his death in 1823. He left the house to his reputed daughter Narcissa, enslaved by Dr. William Elliott. Hubbard wanted her to inherit his estate, but knew that she needed to be emancipated first. Her freedom was . . . — — Map (db m205027) HM
Daniel Rudd was a lay leader within the Catholic Church during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He used his experience and influence to usher in black consciousness among Catholics in the United States and to advocate for the . . . — — Map (db m223308) HM
This is the first brick church erected within the original city limits of Bardstown. The 1804 will of Samuel P. Jones directed that his possessions be sold and the money be used to build a church for all Christian denominations. His wishes were . . . — — Map (db m202210) HM
Prior to the Civil War, Ham Brown was “a free man of color.” On May 21, 1866, he purchased the cabin in Bloomfield and it remained in his family until 1980. Ham, a shoemaker, and Adeline Brown had seven children. Vacant and in disrepair, . . . — — Map (db m136828) HM
Two thirds of a mile through the woods is the home of Uncle Pen's dearest friend, Clarence Wilson. Musician, farmer, country lender, Clarence and his wife, Minnie, took care of the legendary Pen after his hip was broken. The accident occurred . . . — — Map (db m159258) HM
James and Amanda Mount Home. Built circa 1840, this restored
four square home was originally
home to James Mount (1796-1864)
and wife, Amanda Malvina Railey
Mount (1810-1888). Amanda was
the first cousin once removed of
Thomas Jefferson. . . . — — Map (db m136161) HM
Built in 1921-22, it was the ninth
school in Ky. for African Americans
supported by the Julius Rosenwald
Grant. After completing the first 8
years of school, students were
bussed 25 miles to the Lincoln
Institute in Shelby Co. to attend
high . . . — — Map (db m136159) HM
Westport Courthouse
First court session held here in 1828. In addition to indicting criminals and appointing justices of the peace, the court resolved sales, auctions, and escapes of enslaved people & settled disputes pertaining to slave . . . — — Map (db m174579) HM
Side A
Born in Pike County, this poet was a daughter of former slaves, Frank and Sibbie Waller. All of
their children attained a greater degree of education than usual at that time. They earned teaching certificates at Ky. State Normal . . . — — Map (db m146166) HM
The Dils Cemetery is believed to be the first integrated cemetery in Eastern Kentucky. Colonel John Dils, who was opposed to slavery, gave many freed slaves jobs in his tannery and general store. He later provided gravesites for them and their . . . — — Map (db m146196) HM
Established in Rowan County, Ky., in 1911, by Mrs. Cora W. Stewart, “to emancipate from illiteracy those enslaved in its bondage.” Because the people had to labor by day it was decided to have the schools on moonlight nights so the moon . . . — — Map (db m73816) HM
Site of school built in 1894 for African American students. First principal, Charles Steele was founder of the school and of black education in Georgetown. He served until his death in 1908. Edward B. Davis, principal 1908-34, added a two-year . . . — — Map (db m163154) HM
Organized 1811, first meeting house erected here, 1815. Howard Malcom, pastor and president of Georgetown College, urged relocation of church near college and lease of original site to black congregation, 1842. G. W. Dupee, a slave, was first . . . — — Map (db m88633) HM
On Nov. 23, 1872, former slaves Calvin Hamilton and Primus Keene purchased 23 acres. They sold plots to other freedmen and formed black community of Briar Hill; it was later named New Zion. Keene sold land for community well, school, and church. . . . — — Map (db m35851) HM
Zion Hill
Established prior to the end of
slavery. Originally known as South
EIkhorn Bend & Lenerson. The name
was later changed to Zion Hill. It
was a prominent African American
community with two stores. church,
and post office. . . . — — Map (db m170033) HM
Located off Paynes Depot Road in Scott County, Zion Hill is one
of several remaining hamlets in central Kentucky. Hamlets were
established by formerly enslaved persons in Scott County and other
surrounding counties after the Civil War. Residents . . . — — Map (db m170103) HM
Marker Front:
Born Oct. 8, 1915, in Sadieville, this African American entered an "all white" National Guard unit before WW II began. As a private in Co. D, 192nd Tank Battalion, he was stationed in the Philippine Islands. Brooks was killed . . . — — Map (db m73112) HM WM
In the late 1700s, slaves were brought to this area with their white owners as part of the "traveling church" from Va. In 1877, many former slaves moved west to newly-formed Nicodemus, Kan. Those that remained in this area purchased land in . . . — — Map (db m89214) HM
Lynching in America
Racial terror lynching between 1877 and 1950 claimed the lives of thousands of African Americans and created a legacy of injustice that can still be felt today. Following the Civil War, fierce resistance to equal rights for . . . — — Map (db m203123) HM
In the early morning of January 15, 1911, a White mob abducted three Black men named Eugene Marshall, Wade Patterson, and Jim West from the Shelby County Jail. Although reports indicate that police were aware of the threat of mob violence, law . . . — — Map (db m175130) HM
Reconstruction in America
The end of the U.S. Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved Black people ushered in the era of Reconstruction. America had an opportunity to drastically change the experience of formerly enslaved Black people . . . — — Map (db m203119) HM
"Horrible Massacre"
On January 25, 1865, Co. E. 5th United States Colored Calvary (USCC) attacked by Confederate guerillas while driving herd of 900 cattle to Louisville. About 22 men killed and at least eight severely wounded. Based at Camp . . . — — Map (db m136842) HM
Founded by Berea College trustees with Pres. Frost main fundraiser. This occurred after Day Law (1904) stopped coeducation of whites and blacks. In 1909, Berea board bought three farms totaling 444 acres for a school. Lincoln Institute opened to 85 . . . — — Map (db m136845) HM
Civil rights leader born here. Son of distinguished educator, Dr. Whitney M. Young, Sr. Served in US Army, World War II. Graduated Ky. State College, 1941; U. of Minn., 1947. Director of Urban Leagues in Minn. and Neb., 1947-53. Dean of School of . . . — — Map (db m136849) HM
The original Lincoln School was formally dedicated on Sunday, September 8, 1940. The two-story building was a hallmark for the Black Community and marked a new beginning for education. The life of the school was interwoven with the fabric of the . . . — — Map (db m159167) HM
A hallmark of the black community, it was dedicated on September 8, 1940 and G.R. Houston served as its first principal. In 1944, county schools merged with Lincoln, which brought about crowded conditions. School added onto several times from . . . — — Map (db m159162) HM
Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) began his professional baseball career while a lieutenant at Camp Breckinridge, 1944. The next year Branch Rickey, Brooklyn Dodgers general manager, signed the four-sport letterman from UCLA for Montreal Royals, top . . . — — Map (db m123565) HM
Dr. Henry Carpenter
After the Civil War, Bowling Green's west side became home to a growing number of the city's African Americans. Many owned their properties and worked hard to support their families. As the black population grew, the need . . . — — Map (db m143039) HM
Generations Lived, Worked and Worshipped Here
A sizeable African American population lived for generations in this immediate vicinity. Until the late 1960s, African Americans were often relegated to live in predetermined areas and sometimes . . . — — Map (db m139387) HM
History
The Cecelia Memorial Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest church buildings in Warren County. It was built in 1847 for the First Christian Church in the Greek Revival style. In 1897 it was sold to the Negro Cumberland Presbyterian . . . — — Map (db m139443) HM
Born Reuben Crowdus on April 17, 1865 in Bowling Green, Ky. He left home at age 12 to sing in minstrel shows. He became prominent as a songwriter in the 1890s. In 1895, he wrote “La Pas Ma La” & promoted it as first published ragtime . . . — — Map (db m39656) HM
Side 1
This African American community was founded after the Civil War. It was bordered by Dogwood Dr., Russellville Road, and the railroad tracks. The community grew to include several hundred residents, an elementary school, businesses, . . . — — Map (db m138732) HM
College Street was a major transportation artery into the city of Bowling Green and it was lined with an eclectic mix of businesses, residences, churches, and light industry. Two influential African American women, Cecelia Lillard and Ora Frances . . . — — Map (db m139442) HM
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. is the first international fraternal organization to be founded on the campus of a historically black college. Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The founders were . . . — — Map (db m138763) HM
Ora Porter, born in Butler Co., in 1880, moved to Bowling Green at age 10. She graduated from Tuskegee Institute School of Nursing and was among the earliest registered nurses in Ky. She was an organizer of the George Washington Carver Community . . . — — Map (db m83334) HM
Side 1
This African American community was founded in the 1800s. Bordered by the river and High, Ky., and 7th Sts., the area grew to include hundreds of residents, two schools, businesses, and churches. The architecture of Shake Rag . . . — — Map (db m83332) HM
Originally settled as a farming community during the 1700s, Oakland-Freeport is in the midst of southern Kentucky’s famed Karst Topography. Early settlers included the Grimes, Shobe, and Mansfield families.
Oakland was formally established with . . . — — Map (db m233180) HM
Louis Sansbury (1806-1861), a black slave, owned by George Sansbury, was left with keys to Sansbury’s hotel to watch over his business. In 1833, left virtually alone with the sick and dying, Sansbury fed and treated the many cholera sufferers . . . — — Map (db m121747) HM
On Aug. 4, 1917 about 7:40 AM
an explosion in the West Kentucky
Coal Company's #7 mine shattered
the community of Clay. The worst
mine disaster in state history was
caused by methane gas and an
opened-flame headlamp. At the
time of the . . . — — Map (db m172081) HM
Huntertown was an African-American hamlet in Woodford County settled after the Civil War. On August 29, 1871, Jerry Gatewood, who was formerly enslaved and a veteran of the USCT, bought the first 5-acre tract from Isham Riley of the Hunter family to . . . — — Map (db m180298) HM
Side A
Edward Dudley Brown
This well known African American horse owner, trainer, developer, and jockey was born into slavery, 1850. Raised as a stable boy near Midway, he was nicknamed "Brown Dick" after the record-setting racehorse . . . — — Map (db m98034) HM
Erected in 1872, this was the first church building for Pilgrim Baptist Church. In 1911, the Woodford Co. Bd. of Ed. purchased this property in “Haydensville” to be used as Midway Elem. School for African Americans. In 1936, sold to . . . — — Map (db m170032) HM
The Freedmen's Bureau was created during Reconstruction to provide relief services for formerly enslaved Americans. The Midway Freedman's School opened in April 1867, inside the original Second Christian Church, on the grounds of the Ky Female . . . — — Map (db m206152) HM
This church was organized on the second Sunday in January 1872 by Reverend James Knox Polk and 16 charter members. Rev. Polk was pastor for 47 years until his death in 1918. First church located on Parrish St. (now Walnut St.) and converted to . . . — — Map (db m136906) HM
Early African American Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation established before the Civil War. While still a slave, Alexander Campbell served as first pastor. A log building on property of the Kentucky Female Orphan School was replaced . . . — — Map (db m136907) HM
Land bought in 1876 by 8 members of “Midway Sons & Daughters of Relief,” community org. & lodge. Final resting place of veterans as well as former slaves who became great leaders in Midway’s African American community. Famous horseman, . . . — — Map (db m136901) HM
