L&N Steam Engine 152
The "Official State Locomotive of Kentucky," Rogers Works of NJ built this 4-6-2 Light Pacific in Oct. 1905. Was donated to KY Railway Museum by the Louisville & Nashville RR in 1954 and was resrored and put back in service in 1985. Engine reportedly pulled trains of presidents Roosevelt, Hoover, & Truman and prison train of gangster Al Capone.
Reverse
On the National Register of Historic Places, Engine 152 ran on the Louisville & Nashville RR (L&N), including the Lebanon Branch through New Haven. Also ran between Mobile and New Orleans & hauled coal during the 1920s coal boom in E.KY. It runs as one of the last surviving L&N steam engines in the world
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Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
About Nelson County
Nelson County Timeline
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.
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.
Nelson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.