Roscoe Goose House / Golden Goose, 1891-1971
Roscoe Goose House
Italianate-style home built circa 1891. Owned by jockey Roscoe Goose from 1913 to 1971. Residential development in area thrived due to Churchill Downs. Goose benefited from the growing popularity of horseracing and increasing jockeys' wages. House reflected the rising status of sport. First Louisville native to win the KY Derby.
Golden Goose, 1891-1971
In 1913, Goose rode Donerail to victory with 91-1 odds, biggest longshot winner in Derby history. Goose retired from racing after an accident in 1918. Remained in the thoroughbred industry as a trainer and owner. Mentored young jockeys and opened his home to many. An early inductee to the KY Athletic Hall of Fame, Goose is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery.
Dedicated on April 12, 2018
The largest non-nuclear explosion in US history occurred in 1958 in Fleming County, Kentucky, when a natural gas storage cavern exploded, killing several people and destroying nearby homes.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.