The History of Louisville KY
Louisville KY is home to the Kentucky Derby,one of the most famous horse races in the world. It is also famous for its sports spectators,such as baseball at the Louisville Slugger Field or basketball at Freedom Hall.
Louisville’s FBI division has been investigating political corruption for a long time. In 1992,it launched a free corruption tipline and made several arrests.
Established in 1778
Louisville,named after Louis XVI in France in 1778 became an important shipping centre and Union stronghold during Civil War. It was also a center of trade in the postwar era. River transportation accelerated,and the city’s manufacturing industries began to flourish.
Today,Louisville is known for its Kentucky Derby and the bourbon industry. It is also home to three Fortune 500 companies,including Humana and Kindred Healthcare. Muhammad Ali Center,University of Louisville and other famous landmarks are also located in Louisville. The city is also a center for the arts,including the Speed Museum. The museum is the oldest and largest in the state.
Civil War During the Civil War
Both Union and Confederate troops made their presence known in Louisville as the Civil War began. Almost all North-South trade passed through the state,either up the Louisville and Nashville railroad or down the Mississippi River.
Union General Bull Nelson commanded the troops east of Ohio River while Major General George Bibb Crittenden commanded western Kentucky,based in St. Louis.
Bragg marched towards Glasgow,and the Louisville & Nashville railroad,hoping to deny Buell’s army access to that vital route. A small force of home guards was sent to face the Rebels and a skirmish ensued. Both sides knew that controlling Kentucky would help them defend other territories and gain supplies.
After the Civil War
Due to its location on the Ohio River and the Louisville & Nashville Railroad,Kentucky was vital to both sides in the Civil War. Both the Union and the Confederacy sought control of the state to secure grain supplies and access to important transportation routes.
Despite the state’s neutrality,Northern interference in southern trade almost caused Kentucky to secede. The northern railroad workers also seized munitions bound for Louisville.
The city was a new opportunity for blacks and immigrants from the South. They built factories and invested in real estate. They also became leaders in the city’s political,legal and financial institutions.
During the 1970s
Louisville experienced a period of great change in the 1970s. New industries began to replace many of Louisville’s older ones. These included the manufacture of synthetic rubber,bourbon whiskey and cigarettes. In addition,the city became a major center of health care administration.
Suburbanization also caused problems in the city. The Interstates made suburban living more affordable but also cut through old city neighborhoods,separating families.
Black Louisvilleers held months-long pickets,and sat in,at downtown businesses,which refused to let them eat,shop,or watch movies with white patrons. The House Un-American Activities Committee,J Edgar Hoover’s COINTELPRO and the House Un-American Activities Committee repressed them despite their efforts. They planted agents infiltrating and spying on Black activists and purported communists.
The 1980s
The 1980s saw a resurgence of civic involvement in Louisville. Police stepped up their investigations of political corruption and launched a toll-free corruption tip line that led to many indictments and convictions. The city launched a public transport system and renovated its historic buildings.
The City of Louisville has a long history of immigration and integration. The city’s successful resettlement of refugees can be a model for other cities.
During the 1990s
In the 1990s,Louisville’s city government and its merged county-city government pushed to address air pollution. Louisville Air Pollution Control District set new standards for tailpipe emissions and mandated that gas stations sell reformulated fuel.
The APCD also focused on protecting children’s health and safety. It began investigating possible payoffs between lobbyists and politicians and started a toll-free corruption tip line. It also investigated crime involving child predators.
