Louisville KY is home to the Kentucky Derby,one of the most famous horse races in the world. The city is also known for its spectator sports,including baseball at the Louisville Slugger Field and basketball at Freedom Hall.
The FBI’s Louisville division has a long history of investigating political corruption. It launched a toll-free corruption tip line in 1992 and has 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.
Louisville is now known for the Kentucky Derby and bourbon. Humana,Kindred Healthcare and other Fortune 500 companies are also located in Louisville. 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. It is the biggest and oldest art museum in the state.
Civil War During the Civil War
As the Civil War began,both Union and Confederate forces made their presence felt in Louisville. 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 all troops east of the Ohio River,while Major General George Bibb Crittenden was in command of western Kentucky from 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 understood that control of Kentucky would assist in defending other territory and gaining supplies.
After the Civil War
Kentucky’s location along the Ohio River,and its connection to the Louisville & Nashville Railroad made it a vital state for both sides during 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. The city’s old industries were closing and new ones were emerging. The city also became a center for health care administration.
Suburbanization also caused problems in the city. Interstates helped make suburban living more affordable,but they sliced through older city neighborhoods and separated 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.
During the 1980s
In the 1980s,civic engagement in Louisville experienced a revival. The police intensified their investigations into political corruption,and they launched a free corruption tipline that resulted in many convictions and indictments. The city launched a public transport system and renovated its historic buildings.
Louisville is a city with a rich history of integration and immigration. Its successful refugee resettlement program provides lessons for other cities.
During the 1990s
In the 1990s Louisville’s city and county governments merged to combat air pollution. Louisville Air Pollution Control District set new standards for tailpipe emissions and mandated that gas stations sell reformulated fuel.
The APCD is also concerned with protecting the health and safety of children. It began investigating possible payoffs between lobbyists and politicians and started a toll-free corruption tip line. It also investigated crime involving child predators.