Gov. Lawrence W. Wetherby
Historical marker location:
Middletown, Kentucky
( 11803 Old Shelbyville Rd., Middletown)
Lawrence Winchester Wetherby (1908-1994)- A native of Middletown, Wetherby graduated from the University of Louisville Law School in 1929, and for 20 years practiced law & served the judiciary. He was elected lt. gov. in 1947 and governor in 1951. He pushed the state legislature to improve education, mental hospitals, child welfare laws, and conservation of natural resources.
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Gov. Lawrence W. Wetherby- Wetherby publicly supported 1954 Supreme Court’s Brown vs. Board of Education desegregation order. He began Ky. Turnpike, state’s first toll road, and urged governors & the U.S. President to make it part of the Great Lakes-to-Gulf highway, precursor to the interstate system. He increased the number of local airports & directed construction of new state fairgrounds in Louisville
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The famous Hatfield-McCoy feud, a long-running and violent conflict between two Appalachian families, began in Kentucky in the late 19th century.
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County Timeline
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.
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.
Jefferson County Timeline
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.