Louisville's Steamboat Era
Text
Historical Marker #1681 interprets Louisville's steamboat era, highlighting the role that river navigation played in the city's history. Many notable visitors arrived at the Louisville wharf at 4th Street, including Abraham Lincoln, who visited Farmington for three weeks in 1841.
The Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park is located approximately 500 feet upstream from the marker, commemorating Lincoln's visit and highlighting his civil rights legacy. The memorial features a twelve foot statue of Lincoln surrounded by a small amphitheater with quotes inscribed in the step. Four bas reliefs line the path to the statue, interpreting Lincoln's many ties to his native state.
Files
Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park
Abraham Lincoln Statue located at the Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront park in Louisville. Image Courtesy of the Waterfront Development Corporation
Louisville Warf
This early 20th century postcard shows the hustle and bustle of the Louisville warf. Steamboats served to transport people as well as goods via the river networks that were vital to Kentucky's economy in the 19th century. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
1852 Louisville Map
This mid-19th century map shows the importance of the Ohio River to the city's growth and economic prosperity. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.