Historical Marker

Ham Brown Log Cabin

Historical marker location:
Bloomfield, Kentucky
( 801 Taylorsville Rd., Bloomfield)

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, the cabin was moved to Walnut Groves farm and restored in 1998. Cabin was built ca. 1850 as slave quarters

  A brief timeline of the history of the Reconstruction Era

The Reconstruction Era in the United States followed the Civil War and spanned from 1865 to 1877. It aimed to address the social, economic, and political challenges faced by the nation after the abolition of slavery. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key events during the Reconstruction Era:

  • 1865: The Civil War ends with the surrender of Confederate forces. President Abraham Lincoln, who favored a lenient approach to reconstruction, is assassinated in April. Vice President Andrew Johnson assumes the presidency.

  • 1865: The Freedmen's Bureau is established to provide assistance to newly freed slaves, including education, employment, and legal support.

  • 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

  • 1866: The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is passed, granting citizenship and equal rights to all individuals born in the United States, regardless of race or previous condition of slavery.

  • 1867: The Reconstruction Acts are passed by Congress, dividing the former Confederate states into military districts and requiring them to draft new state constitutions that grant voting rights to African American men.

  • 1868: The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens and granting citizenship to former slaves.

  • 1870: The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

  • 1870s: African Americans are elected to various political offices, including state legislatures and even the U.S. Congress. This period witnesses a significant increase in black political participation.

  • 1873: The economic Panic of 1873 leads to a severe depression, undermining many of the gains made during the Reconstruction Era.

  • 1876: The disputed presidential election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden results in the Compromise of 1877. As part of the compromise, federal troops are withdrawn from the South, effectively marking the end of Reconstruction.

  • 1877: With the withdrawal of federal troops, Southern states begin enacting Jim Crow laws and implementing systemic racial segregation and discrimination, suppressing the political and economic rights of African Americans.

The Reconstruction Era was a complex and contentious period in American history, marked by progress in racial equality and political participation, as well as the subsequent rollback of those gains. It left a lasting impact on the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing quest for racial justice in the United States.

African American Slavery Reconstruction Era
Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and began his boxing career there.
Kentucky random facts
Nelson County, located in the state of Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its settlement in the late 18th century. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee, before European settlers arrived. In 1785, a group of pioneers led by Thomas Witherby established the first permanent settlement in the county, which would later become known as Bardstown. The town was named after the brothers David and William Bard, who surveyed and mapped the area.

During the early years of settlement, Nelson County's economy thrived as an agricultural hub, with tobacco being a primary cash crop. The county's fertile soil and conducive climate made it ideal for farming, and as a result, many plantations were established. In addition to tobacco, corn, hemp, and livestock also contributed to the county's agricultural success.

In the early 19th century, Bardstown became an important cultural and political center in Kentucky. It was designated as the state's first capital in 1792 and was home to the first Catholic Diocese west of the Allegheny Mountains. Bardstown also played a significant role in the history of bourbon production, with several distilleries being established in the area.

Throughout its history, Nelson County experienced various events that shaped its growth and development. The county was heavily impacted by the Civil War, as both Union and Confederate forces occupied the area at different times. The Battle of Bardstown, fought in 1862, resulted in the county being divided between the Union and Confederate armies.

Today, Nelson County continues to be a thriving community, blending its historical charm with modern amenities. Bardstown, with its beautiful historic district, is a popular tourist destination known for its bourbon heritage and well-preserved architecture. The county's agricultural roots can still be seen in its many farms and vineyards, and it remains an important player in Kentucky's bourbon industry. Nelson County's rich history and natural beauty make it a fascinating destination for both residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Nelson County, Kentucky.

  • 1784 - Nelson County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1808 - The county seat is established in Bardstown.
  • 1811 - The first Catholic cathedral west of the Alleghenies, Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral, is completed in Bardstown.
  • 1864 - Confederate forces under John Hunt Morgan unsuccessfully attack Bardstown.
  • 1922 - Heaven Hill Distilleries is founded, becoming a major bourbon producer in the county.
  • 1933 - The repeal of Prohibition leads to a boom in the bourbon industry in Nelson County.
  • 1970 - The Heaven Hill Distilleries fire destroys several aging warehouses and 90,000 barrels of bourbon.
  • 1996 - The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History opens in Bardstown.
  • 2004 - My Old Kentucky Home State Park is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.