History & Fun Facts
From its founding on the falls of the Ohio River to the birthplace of the cheeseburger, Louisville is full of rich history and surprising stories.
Our History
Founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, Louisville is one of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains. The city was named in honor of King Louis XVI of France, whose soldiers were aiding Americans in the Revolutionary War.
Its strategic position on the Ohio River at the "Falls of the Ohio"—the only major obstruction on the river between the upper Ohio River and the Gulf of Mexico—made it a critical port city. Ships had to be unloaded and moved past the falls, driving early economic growth.
That foundational legacy as a logistics hub continues today; what started with steamboats has evolved into the city serving as the home of UPS Worldport, the global air-sorting hub.
Famous Landmarks & Firsts
- Kentucky Derby: The longest continuously running sporting event in the U.S., first held on May 17, 1875. It is now held annually on the first Saturday in May.
- Louisville Slugger: The iconic baseball bats have been manufactured here since 1884.
- Electric Trolley: Louisville was home to the first electric trolley system in the nation.
- Braille Printing: The American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville is the world's largest nonprofit organization creating educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are visually impaired.
Famous Louisvillians
Louisville has been home to many influential figures across sports, entertainment, and journalism.
Louisville Fun Facts
A few things that make the Derby City unique.
The First Cheeseburger
The original cheeseburger was created at Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville in 1934.
Rowing Across the Atlantic
Tori Murden-McClure, the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, is a Louisvillian.
Happy Birthday To You
Sisters Mildred and Patty Hill wrote the world-famous song right here in Louisville.
Disco Ball Capital
Omega National Products in Louisville produces 90% of the country's disco balls.
A Massive Clock
The world's second-largest clock (40 ft diameter) sits atop the Colgate-Palmolive plant in nearby Jeffersonville, IN.
Ancient Coral Beds
Nearly 375 million-year-old fossilized coral beds can be found at the Falls of the Ohio.
Thunder Over Louisville
Kicking off the Derby Festival, it is the nation's largest annual fireworks display.
The Largest Baseball Bat
The world's largest baseball bat stands 6 stories high outside the Louisville Slugger Museum.
Notable Music Acts
Louisville is home to My Morning Jacket, Bryson Tiller, Slint, and Nappy Roots.
Hollywood in Kentucky
Movies filmed in the area include Seabiscuit, Elizabethtown, Secretariat, and Stripes.
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