A Salute to America and Kentucky Legacies – Abe Lincoln, Saddlebreds, Bourbon, and the Louisville Slugger

The Bourbon, Horses & History Region of Kentucky is a rich tapestry of people and events that have impacted America’s history, its pastimes and dreams.

 

Begin your Summer visit in the Heart of Kentucky, Lebanon

Let’s start in The Heart of Kentucky… Lebanon. Lebanon truly is the actual, bonafide U.S. Geological Service-designated center of the state of Kentucky. 

Located along Scenic Highway & Byway U.S. 68, Lebanon was the site of “Battle at Lebanon,” a Civil War battle where Kentuckians fought Kentuckians. Lebanon National Cemetery, located on Highway 208 is the interment site for Union soldiers from Lebanon and the surrounding area. 

While you’re in the area, take a walking tour along scenic Hwy 68 which goes through the middle of town, with a collection of historic homes and buildings dating back to the 1800’s.

Lebanon is also the trailhead for the Marion County Trail, an 11-mile stretch of rural Kentucky from Loretto to Lebanon is touted as “where the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour intersect.” 

Along this scenic byway, you’ll have a couple of  good reasons to stop and sip the bourbon, but before you start your bourbon tasting experience, make time for a tour of Kentucky Cooperage, where you can see first-hand where bourbon barrels are handmade and fired for aging, a key component of the bourbon industry. Then, enjoy your bourbon experience:

Legacy of Freedom  

  • Abraham Lincoln birthplace and early life
  • The Kentucky Black Trailblazers

Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace and early life
Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation is one of his most treasured legacies to our country. This region of Kentucky highlights the life and related places and events honoring our revered 16th President.

Just off US Hwy 31E near Hodgenville, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves two sites of Lincoln’s boyhood, Sinking Spring Farm and Knob Creek Farm. The park’s visitor center is located at the Sinking Spring site. 

Lincoln was born at Sinking Spring Farm, just south of Hodgenville and his family remained there until he was two years old. The Lincoln family moved to Knob Creek Farm northeast of Hodgenville and lived there until Lincoln was seven.

In the Downtown Hodgenville National Historic District, The Lincoln Museum features a series of life-size dioramas, artifacts and wax figures depicting Lincoln’s life and events. 

While you’re visiting, there is a good selection of places to dine and options for camping, a motor court, and AirBnBs. Readers of Kentucky Living magazine voted Hodgenville as “Best in Kentucky” businesses, organizations, and destinations. 

In nearby Springfield, Lincoln Homestead State Park features both historic and reconstructed buildings associated with Abraham Lincoln’s father Thomas Lincoln, including the original Francis Berry House where Nancy Hanks, Abraham’s mother, lived while being courted by Thomas Lincoln. If you’re visiting the park on June 13, stop in for the Thomas and Nancy Wedding Festival from 10 am until 3 pm, with wedding reenactments at noon and 2 pm. Admission is free, with period theme vendors, actors, displays and history.

Springfield is a great place to celebrate our country’s heritage. Enjoy an afternoon tea celebrating America’s 250th at Maple Hill Manor Bed & Breakfast on June 5 and 7 or join in a patriotic 5K Freedom run on July 4.

Lincoln’s early roots spread to Elizabethtown when Abe’s father remarried after Nancy Hanks’ death. Here you can tour the Lincoln Heritage House for a glimpse of the Lincoln family’s lifestyle and visit other historic sites including the Hardin County History Museum where you can explore regional history from pioneer days to present time.

The Kentucky Black Trailblazer Immersive Experience—where Kentucky Black History comes to life.

Kentucky Black Trailblazers is a first-of-its-kind, immersive experience that tells the stories of several influential Black Kentuckians.
Using cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) technology, history is brought to life in an engaging, educational, and interactive experience. From renowned activists to unsung heroes, this series of historic markers showcases the diverse narratives that have shaped Kentucky’s cultural landscape and beyond. 

Look for the special QR codes on historic signage in these North Central Kentucky locations to trigger the AR experience on your phone.
Bardstown – Nelson County
Elizabethtown – Hardin County
Louisville
Oldham County
Shelby County
Shepherdsville – Bullitt County

The immersive experiences range from modern day Black Kentuckians to those from earlier times.

  • In Louisville at the Muhammed Ali Center, a tribute to Muhammed Ali.
  • Veterans Memorial Park in Shelbyville, a marker honors Elijah P. Marrs, who served in the Union Army, established one of the first black schools in Shelby County and co-founded the Kentucky Normal and Theological Institute, later known as Simmons College.
  • Westport Commons in Westport, you’ll find a marker honoring Henry Bibb., an author, publisher and activist whose writings significantly contributed to the fight against slavery.

Bardstown – My Old Kentucky Home in the Bourbon Capital of the World™

  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park
  • Bourbon Capital of the World™
  • The most beautiful small town in America

My Old Kentucky Home
When you hear the first notes of Kentucky’s state song “My Old Kentucky Home”, you know that the Kentucky Derby is about to begin. Most Kentuckians and more than a few “outsiders” know this famous anthem, or at least part of it, and respectfully sing along.

In Bardstown, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Kentucky’s first state-owned park, is the site of the original mansion, which was originally completed in 1818 on what eventually became a 1300-acre Federal Hill Farm. Plan a tour to see firsthand the classic Southern Hospitality that makes Bardstown so welcoming.

Be sure to book a walking tour of Historic Bardstown Main Street and explore its history and heritage on Museum Row.

Kentucky Railway Museum explores Kentucky’s rail travel history with interactive exhibits, historic locomotives, and scenic train excursions through Kentucky’s rolling countryside.

The Civil War Museum is a comprehensive collection of museums including The National Civil War Museum – Western Theater Collection, The Women’s Civil War Museum and The General Hal Moore Military Museum.

Old Bardstown Colonial Village and Park is a preserved 18th-19th century frontier settlement.  

Of course, Bardstown is famously known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” and is a perfect beginning of your bourbon experience. Located at the center of 11 local and regional distilleries, you can venture to some of the world’s oldest and most recognized distilleries and treat yourself to some of the newer craft bourbon brands.

Stroll the streets of the Bardstown Main Street district, stop for bourbon-influenced cuisine and shop at charming boutiques…enjoy Southern Hospitality in the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America”.

Louisville – Home of Horses, Bourbon, Baseball Bats, Hot Browns and Muhammad Ali

Run for the Roses
On the first Saturday in May each year, patrons don their Southern finest to watch “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”—the Kentucky Derby. Whether you’re in Louisville to attend the Derby or to begin your Bourbon experience, make a stop by famous Churchill Downs and its Kentucky Derby Museum for the full story of this historic event and its beginnings on May 17, 1875.

Whiskey Row
Speaking of bourbon, there’s a good reason Louisville is called Bourbon City™—it’s the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Visit Whiskey Row, in the historic warehouse district where the bourbon industry got its start and begin your Urban Bourbon Experience in the bars and restaurants in this highly spirited locale.

The World’s Largest Baseball Bat
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is the ideal stop for baseball fans, history buffs and for the whole family. You’ll get the chance to tour the manufacturing facility where the Louisville Sluggers have been made for over a century and even hold bats actually used by baseball greats like Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente and Derek Jeter. The museum is filled with immersive exhibits like Black Ballplayers: Heritage & Heroes, and seasonal special events, and offers a variety of tours for a complete Slugger experience. 

Follow the Slugger Walk of Fame as a tribute to some of the greatest players in the history of the game under contract with Louisville Slugger. Start at the Big Bat at the Slugger Museum on West Main Street (you can’t miss it) and follow the bronze bat markers to Louisville Slugger Stadium.

Hot browns at the Brown Hotel
While Louisville is known for its unbridled cuisine, the most legendary dish is the Hot Brown, a hot open-faced sandwich originally created at the famous Brown Hotel by Fred K. Schmidt in 1926.

Today, the Brown Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its Georgian-Revival architecture, elegance and southern charm, not to mention its selection of fine bourbons and of course, the iconic Hot Browns.

A tribute to “The Greatest”, Muhammad Ali
A visit to the Muhammad Ali Center follows the life and career of legendary Louisville native Muhammad Ali, Heavyweight Champion of the World. Check in at the Louisville Visitor’s Center to see the Ali exhibit and pick up a self-guided tour brochure to find landmarks about his life, his childhood home and other tributes around town and at the Louisville Muhammad Ali Airport.

Oldham County—LaGrange Railroad Museum, the Underground Railroad

In LaGrange in Oldham County on Interstate 71 just north of Louisville, the LaGrange Railroad Museum is a must for train and railroad buffs for a look back to the history of the early days of rail and its effect on this area. LaGrange is also a stop on the Bluegrass Train Experience, a unique history railroad excursion rolling through 13 different scenic attractions, including the unusual “Train on Main”, a daily freight train that rolls right through Main Street in downtown LaGrange, quite the spectacle!

While you’re visiting LaGrange, stroll its historic downtown to enjoy a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, vacation rentals, and hotels.  And plan a visit to the Oldham County History Center for a moving and informative exhibit about the famous Underground Railroad and the Freedom Seekers. The Oldham County History Center is the recipient of two highly sought-after designations from the National Park Service and its National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

 

Shelby County—Saddlebred Capital of the World

The American Saddlebred was first bred here in Shelby County which is now known as the American Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World. The versatile breed known is renowned for its athleticism and discipline and has been used historically by the military use, the movie industry, and for personal sport. The American Saddlebred is descended from riding-type horses bred here at the time of the American Revolution.

 

Put these Kentucky history-filled gems on your must see list:

  • Bullitt County on Interstate 65 has three stops on the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience, a Civil War Battle site and the Jim Bean Distillery that is housed in a distillery building that dates back to 1891. 
  • Grayson County has a General George Distillery once owned by George Washington, Falls of Rough Resort and The Jack Thomas House, the oldest brick house in Grayson County c1812.
  • Brandenburg and the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail passes through this charming small town on the banks of the Ohio River.
  • General George Patton Museum is located in Radcliffe near Fort Knox off highway 31W.This military museum presents the entire life story of the legendary leader, General George S. Patton Jr. Located outside of the museum is a World War II Barracks exhibit.
  • Hardinsburg, home of Lincoln’s Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt,  a political leader who led opposition to Kentucky secession at the beginning of the Civil war. He served in the administrations of Presidents James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, and Ulysses Grant. The Holt Home is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

History Events this Summer

 

For more information about historic sites located in these cities and counties:

Bardstown
Bullitt County 
Elizabethtown
Grayson County 
Louisville 
Meade County
Oldham County  
Radcliff 
Shelby County

 

FAQs

What are good activities for families visiting these historic sites?
Historic sites associated with President Lincoln offer educational experiences that are family friendly. Other varied historic sites offer different levels of interpretation, and there are fun activities in the nearby communities.

Where to stay near these historic sites? 
Brand-named hotels, short term vacation rentals, unique hotels and romantic bed and breakfasts are available, depending on your itinerary or length of stay. Some areas offer tent and RV camping locations.

What are some good restaurants near these historic sites?
Communities near historic sites offer a mix of restaurants, diners, fine dining and fast food.

For more information about staying and eating near historic sites located in these cities and counties:
Bardstown 
Bullitt County 
Elizabethtown
Lebanon 
Louisville  
Oldham County  
Radcliff 
Shelby County

Do we need a reservation to tour historic sites? 
During tourism season, April to November, most are open. You may want to call in advance to ensure that they are open when you are planning to visit.

How do we get to this area coming from Nashville? 
Travel north on I-65 about two hours from Nashville to historic Elizabethtown, which has many sites associated with President Lincoln. Continuing on I-65 you can visit Bardstown and more as you travel toward Louisville.

How do we get to this area coming from Cincinnati? 
Travel south on I-71 about an hour from Cincinnati to historic La Grange and its iconic “Train on Main.” Continue on I-71 to visit Louisville and take I-265 South to access historic attractions to the East, South and West of Louisville.

As you are planning your summer adventures, the Bourbon Horses, & History Region of Kentucky is definitely an experience in the making. Come celebrate America 250 with us!

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