Historical Marker

Grabfelder-Handy Mansion

Historical marker location:
Louisville, Kentucky
( 1442 S. Third St., Louisville)

Samuel Grabfelder (1846-1920)- Born in Rehweiler, Bavaria, his family moved to Louisville in 1857. He attended Louisville (Male) H.S. then went to work in the wholesale liquor trade. In 1871 he married Cordelia Griff and, in 1879, began S. Grabfelder & Co. Whiskey, which was located on W. Main St., known as “Whiskey Row.” He was donor to Jewish hospitals and charities. Buried: Salem Fields, Brooklyn, NY.

Grabfelder-Handy Mansion- Architect William Dodd designed the home for Grabfelder in Beaux Arts classical style. It was constructed from 1896-1900. Converted into apartments in the 1950s, it was renovated back into a single-family home in 1973. Dodd also designed Ferguson Mansion, Louisville Trust, & old Stewart’s Bldg. in Louisville. He moved to Los Angeles in 1912.

Presented by Reba and Hon. Benny Handy

Dedicated December 3, 2016

Architects Jewish Louisville
The first successful gold rush in the United States occurred in 1806 in Kentucky. The gold was found in the sand and gravel of the Ohio River and its tributaries.
Kentucky random facts
Jefferson County, Kentucky has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, who relied on the fertile lands along the Ohio River for sustenance and trade. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with the establishment of forts and trading posts along the river. In 1780, Louisville, the county seat of Jefferson County, was founded by George Rogers Clark and named in honor of King Louis XVI of France.

During the 19th century, Jefferson County experienced rapid growth and became a center of industry and commerce. The completion of the Louisville and Portland Canal in 1830 allowed for increased river traffic and helped establish Louisville as a major inland port. The city became a hub for the tobacco and bourbon industries, with numerous distilleries and warehouses operating within the county. In addition to its economic growth, the county also played a significant role in the Civil War, serving as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces.

The 20th century brought further development and modernization to Jefferson County. The Louisville Municipal Bridge, now known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, was completed in 1929, connecting the city to southern Indiana and facilitating interstate travel. The county also experienced significant changes in demographics and urbanization, as the population grew and diverse communities emerged. Notably, the African American population in the county expanded during the Great Migration, leading to the establishment of vibrant neighborhoods such as Russell and Parkland.

Today, Jefferson County continues to be a vibrant and thriving county. With a population of over 770,000, it is the most populous county in Kentucky. The county is home to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Additionally, Jefferson County is known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events that celebrate the county's diverse history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jefferson County, Kentucky.

  • 1780- Jefferson County established as an original Kentucky county.
  • 1785- Louisville, the county seat, officially founded.
  • 1803- The Methodist Episcopal Church establishes its first church in Louisville.
  • 1838- Construction of the Louisville and Portland Canal begins.
  • 1855- The Louisville Free Public Library opens.
  • 1861- The American Civil War begins, and Louisville becomes a key Union supply base.
  • 1875- The Southern Exposition, a world's fair-style event, is held in Louisville.
  • 1905- Churchill Downs hosts the first Kentucky Derby.
  • 1937- The Ohio River flood causes widespread devastation in Jefferson County.
  • 1946- The Louisville Cardinals basketball team wins the National Invitation Tournament.
  • 1956- The Kentucky Kingdom amusement park opens in Louisville.
  • 1974- The Muhammad Ali Center, a museum dedicated to the famous boxer, opens in Louisville.
  • 1984- The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts opens in Louisville.
  • 1996- The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory opens.
  • 2013- The KFC Yum! Center, a sports and entertainment arena, opens in Louisville.