Louisville

Louisville sits along the Ohio River near the falls, combining older buildings in the southern neighborhoods with glass towers in the central business district. The city spreads across several districts, with wide boulevards running from residential areas to commercial zones and parks lining the riverfront.

George Rogers Clark founded the settlement in 1778, naming it after King Louis XVI because of French support during the war for independence. The location near the river falls encouraged trade and industrial growth throughout the 19th century.

Local residents gather at neighborhood pubs and distilleries along the Urban Bourbon Trail, where bourbon tasting has become part of everyday social life. Street festivals and parades fill the calendar year-round, giving the community regular reasons to meet in parks and public squares.

Public buses connect downtown with residential neighborhoods and shopping areas, with most routes running regularly throughout the day. Sidewalks are common across the city, though the central district is easiest to explore on foot or by public transport.

The Belle of Louisville, built in 1914, remains the oldest working Mississippi-style steamboat and offers regular trips on the Ohio River. Visitors can step aboard and watch the paddlewheel turn as the boat moves along the water.

Location: Jefferson County

Inception: 1778

Founders: George Rogers Clark

Elevation above the sea: 142 m

Part of: Kentucky Derby Region, Louisville metropolitan area

Website: https://louisvilleky.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.25611,-85.75139

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:35