Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville offers residents the opportunity to work, play and grow. An important river port, the city has long been a wealthy community with modern skyscrapers mixed with historic architecture. Louisville offers hospitality, warmth and smaller-city advantages like shorter commutes and a reasonable cost of living. Named one of the top-20 places in America to raise a family, those moving to Louisville will discover a stable economy and laid back-style of living.
History:
Louisville was founded by George Rogers Clark in 1778 and was named for King Louis XVI of France. The arrival of the steamboat in Louisville in 1811, the opening of the Portland Canal in 1830 and with the German and Irish immigrant migration, placed Louisville among the top twelve cities in the country. In 1828, Louisville was incorporated, and the city’s population grew to over 7,000. In 1839, a race at Old Louisville's Oakland Race Course laid the foundation for what today has become the Kentucky Derby. The Jefferson County Court House opened in 1842, during which time three credible daily newspapers were published locally. During the Civil War, the Battle of Louisville never materialized and Louisville traded with both sides and became prosperous. Louisville was the first city in the nation to introduce the secret voting ballot, the first city in Kentucky to adopt zoning and planning measures to control and shape urban growth and was the site of the first bridge designed exclusively for motor vehicles to cross the Ohio River.
Economy:
The geography of Louisville, specifically its river accessibility, central location and mild climate has contributed to its importance as a hub for industry and commerce. The city has traditionally been a manufacturing center for durable goods including appliances, cars and trucks. More recently, the area's economy has diversified, bringing with it more skilled and high-tech employment opportunities. Like the rest of Kentucky, Louisville is undergoing a new era of economic development, with the public and private sectors working together to attract new industries while retaining existing businesses. In 2003, Entrepeneur magazine ranked Louisville #1 for "Best City for Small Business Growth." The Louisville area is headquarters to some of the nation's top companies, including Fortune 500 companies KFC, Kindred Healthcare and Humana Inc. One of the best-known industries based in Louisville is Hillerich and Bradsby, makers of the famous "Louisville Slugger" baseball bat. Ford Motor Co. has two plants in the area that produce the Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer, commercial light trucks, and F-series pick-ups. The services sector is the leading economic sector in the region, and tourism leads the region's service industries, with approximately 26,000 jobs generated by the tourism industry. Greater Louisville is also an important center for local, state, and federal government agencies.
Tourism:
Thousands of horse enthusiasts head to Churchill Downs each year for the legendary Kentucky Derby. In addition to its equestrian events, Louisville boasts a variety of stimulating attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Take a stroll through Central Park’s historic district to get a real feel for the city. Next, experience one of the city’s many outdoor adventures and get a taste of the clean air and welcoming ambiance by visiting a nearby park for hiking, biking and fossil finding. Sports fans will enjoy the Louisville Slugger Museum, a celebration of the sport's legendary equipment. Finally, at night, the city lights up. Head downtown for your choice over 200 fine accredited restaurants, nightclubs and bars to choose from. Whether your taste desires fine dining or an upscale casual atmosphere, the varieties exceed expectations.
Colleges/Universities:
• University of Louisville
• Jefferson Community & Tech College
• Spalding University
Interesting Facts:
• The University of Louisville, founded in 1798, is the oldest city-supported college in the U.S.
• "Happy Birthday to You" was written by sisters Mildred and Patty Hill in their Louisville kindergarten class.
• The Cheeseburger originated at Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville in 1934.
Helpful Links:
• Louisville Real Estate
• Louisville Storage Facility
• Louisville Insurance
• Louisville Dental Offices
• Louisville Moving Companies