Kentucky Historical Marker #0820
Rogers Station, 1780. Site of station located on 1,000-acre tract "marked and improved" in 1775 by Col. James Rogers. Born Va., 1742, died Ky., 1828. Fought in Dunmore's War, 1774, and Revolutionary War. Appointed Colonel, Nelson Co., Ky. Militia and the Justice of the Peace by Patrick Henry, Gov. of Va. Signer of "Petitions of Early Inhabitants of Ky." for separation from Va.
4 mi. W. of Bardstown, US 62, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0506
Camp Charity. Named by Lexington Rifles, under John Hunt Morgan, who camped here Sept. 1861. Friendly people took no pay for food. With additional recruits, horses and supplies they joined Confederates at Green River September 30. The Rifles were mustered in as Second Cavalry Regiment, Ky. Volunteers, CSA, which developed into a Division, renowned as "Morgan's Raiders." Dedicated in 1962.
7 mi. E. of Bardstown, US 62, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0674
Confederates Here. On CSA invasion, Bragg's army of 28,000 camped here, September 20 to October 3, 1862. Moved to Harrodsburg, then met Buell's Union army in Battle of Perryville, Oct. 8. CSA Gen. John H. Morgan, on raid, camped here, Dec. 29, 1862. On a later raid, July 6, 1863, Morgan delayed here by night-long skirmish with 25 Union cavalrymen. See map on other side. Erected June 29, 1964.
Courthouse lawn, US 62, 150, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0857
Saint Thomas Farm. The cradle of the Catholic Church in Ky., 1/2 mile east. In 1811, became residence of Bishop Flaget and Father David, when pioneering Saint Joseph's Cathedral, Saint Joseph's College and the old Bethlehem Academy in Bardstown. First home, 1812, of The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Founding site of Saint Thomas Seminary and Saint Thomas Orphanage, Louisville.
3 mi. S. of Bardstown, US 31-E, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0896
Nazareth College. Mother House of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth since 1822. The first establishment was made in 1812 at St. Thomas Plantation five miles southwest of Bardstown. The site of Nazareth Academy, now Nazareth College of Kentucky, founded 1814, chartered 1829. Bishop John Baptist Mary David and Mother Catherine Spalding, co-founders, buried in cemetery.
College entrance, N. of Bardstown, US 31-E, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1078
Cedar Creek Baptist. One mile south, site of The First Cedar Creek Baptist Church, second Baptist church constituted in Ky., July 4, 1781, fifth anniversary of Declaration of Independence. Pioneer settlers of nearby Rogers Station, 1780, Col. James Rogers, first judge, Nelson Co., Atkinson Hill, Judge James Slaughter, and Mathew, William, Jonathan Rogers among founders of the church. Over. (Reverse)
4 mi. W. of Bardstown, US 62, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1101
Edgewood. Right wing built, 1815, main part, 1819, by Ben Hardin, noted lawyer, statesman, member Kentucky Legislature and U.S. Congress. Hardin born in Penn., 1784; his daughter married John L. Helm, twice Ky. Governor and President L&N R.R. Their son Ben Hardin Helm, CSA Gen., born here, 1831, married Emilie Todd, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of 16th U.S. President. See over. (Reverse) Edgewood - General Leonidas Polk used this as headquarters during Confederate occupation of Bardstown. Barbecues here in the 1840's brought Henry Clay, Judge John Rowan and John J. Crittenden as speakers. Other notable visitors included Cassius M. Clay, Gen. William Preston, Felix Grundy, Jesse Bledsoe. In rear of place is site of famous Rowan-Chambers 1801 duel. See over.
5th St. at site of home, Bardstown, US 31-E, 150, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1102
Federal Hill-My Old Kentucky Home. Inspiration for the state song of Kentucky by Stephen Collins Foster in 1853. Judge John Rowan, cousin, owned and had built back wing in 1795 and the front in 1818. Federal Hill became renowned as a center of legal, political and social activity. In Senate Rowan led amending US judicial system and ending imprisonment for debt.
Entrance to Park, 501 E. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1281
Rowan-Chambers Duel. Site in valley to east, one of most famous duels in Kentucky because of prominent men involved. John Rowan, later jurist, and US Senator. His second, George M. Bibb, Kentucky Chief Justice, US Senator, Secretary of Treasury. Dr. James Chambers was popular physician. An argument on Jan. 29, 1801, climaxed in duel on Feb. 3. Dr. Chambers was killed in the second round of firing.
S. of Bardstown, US 31-E, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1282
Successful Surgery. The first successful amputation of a leg at the hip joint in US. Done here by Dr. Walter Brashear in 1806 without any precedent to guide him. The patient was a seventeen-year-old boy whose leg had been badly mangled. Dr. Brashear was born in 1776, came to Kentucky, 1784, and studied medicine under Dr. Frederick Ridgely of Lexington. He died in 1860.
Bardstown, Courthouse lawn, US 31-E, 62, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1586
Kincheloe's Station. Near here is site of Kincheloe's Station. Named for Capt. William Kincheloe, one of the leaders who established station in early 1780s. Later called Polke's Station for Chas. Polke, who claimed the land. Indians made a surprise attack in Sept., 1782, and massacred many men, women and children. Known as "Burnt Station" after Indians captured and burned it.
7 mi. E. of Bardstown, US 62, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1604
Wickland. This Georgian mansion, built ca. 1815 by Charles A. Wickliffe, is known as the home of 3 governors: the builder, gov. of Ky., 1839-40; his son, Robert C. Wickliffe, gov. of Louisiana, 1856-60; and his grandson, J. C. W. Beckham, gov. of Ky., 1900-07. Based on designs of John Rogers and John M. Brown, it has hand-carved woodwork and stairway with no visible support.
Near city limits of Bardstown, US 62, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1771
Alexander Walters (1858-1917). This 24th bishop of A.M.E. Zion Church was born in Bardstown and educated under church auspices. Local A.M.E. Zion Church sponsored him for ministry. Licensed to preach, 1877; elected bishop, 1892. Served as president of National Afro-American Council and Pan African Conference. He was a leader of National Negro Committee, which later became NAACP.
Bardstown, at the A.M.E. Zion Church, 219 East Brashear Ave., Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1827
Benedict Joseph Flaget (1763-1850). A priest for 62 years, the "First Bishop of the West" became Bishop of Bardstown, 1810; of Louisville, 1841. Jurisdiction embraced area of Ky., Tenn., and old Northwest Territory. Flaget directed founding of colleges, congregations, and St. Joseph's Cathedral; witnessed ten dioceses formed from region. Bishop buried in Louisville.
Bardstown, Courthouse lawn, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1891
Cedar Creek Baptist Church. First named Chenoweth Run, church formally organized June 16, 1792, about 12 mi. S.E. of Louisville. Log church built in 1798 on land given by William Fleming to Moses Tyler, trustee. Moved to this community after changing name to Cedar Creek, 1846. Present church completed in 1962. Congregation continuously active since 1792 organization. Presented by Cedar Creek Baptist Church.
7709 Bardstown Rd., Fern Creek, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1897
Spalding Hall. Erected in 1826 and later named for Bishop M. J. Spalding. Until 1889, it was part of St. Joseph College, founded by Bishop B. J. Flaget. Jesuits took charge of celebrated college, 1848-1868. During Civil War, St. Joseph was a military hospital. Spalding Hall has served as college and seminary, as orphanage, and as St. Joseph Prep School directed by Xaverian Brothers from 1911-68.
114 N. Fifth, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2111
Diocese of Bardstown. From 1808 to 1841 the Bardstown Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church provided leadership for a ten-state area. Under the guidance of Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget, the church at Bardstown became a religious and education center. In 1841 Flaget and the See of the diocese were moved to Louisville. Over. Presented by Saint Joseph Cathedral. (Reverse) Saint Joseph Cathedral - Planned by Bishop Flaget and designed by John Rogers, the cathedral was dedicated Aug. 8, 1819. It is constructed of locally quarried stone, hand-made bricks, and pillars hewn from nearby trees. Catholics and Protestants donated materials, money, and labor to the project. It is first Roman Catholic cathedral built in U. S. west of Allegheny Mountains.
Bardstown, entrance to Saint Joseph Cathedral, 310 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2231
Farmington. Historic residence completed 1816 for John and Lucy (Fry) Speed. The Jefferson-inspired plan by Paul Skidmore includes octagonal rooms, rare in 19th c. Kentucky. As many as 64 African Americans enslaved at Farmington worked the 550-acre hemp plantation. Abraham Lincoln spent three weeks here in 1841 as guest of the family of his closest friend, Joshua Speed. (Reverse) After his visit, Lincoln described a group of shackled slaves he saw on his steamboat trip home. Later he called the memory a “continual torment to me.” During the Civil War the Speeds supported the Union and Joshua’s ties to Lincoln helped secure Kentucky for the Union. Lincoln appointed James Speed Attorney General in 1864.
3033 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2462
Union Church. This is the first brick church erected within the original city limits of Bardstown. The 1804 will of Samuel P. Jones directed that his possessions be sold and the money be used to build a church for all Christian denominations. His wishes were carried out and the church was built ca. 1812. Two lots were used for the cemetery. (Reverse) Congregations of Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists met here until they built their own churches. After the Civil War, the African American Baptists began meeting here and assumed responsibility for its upkeep. It was enlarged and a bell tower was added in the late 1800s. Became home to the First Baptist Church in the 1860s.
315 N. Second St., Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0944
Steamboat Inventor. First burial place of John Fitch. Reinterred, 1927, in Court Square. Born Conn., 1743. Appointed Lt. of N.J. Co., lst Reg. in Revolutionary War. Named Ky. deputy surveyor, 1780. Acquired 1,600 acres. Established home here in 1782. Conceived idea of steamboat 1785; built small one, 1786. Demonstrated larger one on Delaware River before framers of US Constitution, 1787. See over. (Reverse) Steamboat Inventor - In Oct., 1788, he built boat which carried passengers on 20-mile trip from Philadelphia to Burlington. In 1790 constructed boat which ran regular schedule between those cities. On Aug. 26, 1791, patent granted to Fitch by US Congress. France also granted patent, 1791. Returned here, 1796, died in 1798. Robert Fulton developed his boat, The Clermont, in 1807. See over.
Old Town Cem., Bardstown, US 31-E, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1162
Salt River Furnace. Stood one mile west. It was a stone stack 33 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 10 ft. Its fuel was charcoal, and its air blast machinery was driven by a steam engine, blowing preheated air through the stack. Built in 1832, perhaps by John H. Baker, it produced 700 to 800 tons of iron and castings annually until operations ended, 1853. See over. (Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.
Beech Grove Rd. & KY 61, Bardstown Junction, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1285
Salem Academy. Bardstown's first school, 1788, formed by Va. act. James Priestley, the noted educator, in charge. One class of Kentuckians later noted in life consisted of John Rowan, Judge and US Senator; Joe Daveiss, lawyer and hero in Battle of Tippecanoe; John Pope, US Senator; Felix Grundy, Appeals Court Chief Justice; Rev. Archibald Cameron, noted preacher.
517 N. 3rd St., Bardstown, US 31-E, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1686
Ben Johnson House. Well-known representative and state senator Ben Johnson (1858-1950) was born and lived most of his life here. This native son was a member of Congress for 20 consecutive years and served on Ky. Highway Commission under 4 administrations. The house was built in 1856 for Ben's father, William Johnson, who was state senator and lieutenant governor of Kentucky. Over. (Reverse) Confederate Flag Raising - Nancy Johnson, mother of Ben Johnson, was a member of the committee to select flag of the Confederacy. The one chosen, designed by Nicola Marschall, was unfurled here in 1861 before some 5,000 people. Gen. John Hunt Morgan, escaping from northern prison, stayed here overnight. The house listed on National Register of Historic Places, 1979. Over.
1003 North Third St., US 31-E, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1668
Bardstown. Bardstown area was explored in mid-1770s. William Bard came here in 1780 as agent for his brother David and John C. Owings, and laid off the town. Settlement was first called Salem. A land grant of 1000 acres was issued by the Virginia General Assembly in 1785. Of this land 100 acres, including Salem, were set aside for county seat. Over. (Reverse) Bardstown - William Bard laid off the town and granted two acres for erection of courthouse and other public buildings in the name of his brother David, who remained in Pennsylvania. The first courthouse, of hewn logs, was built 1785; by then the town was called Baird's Town, a variation of family name. It was designated Bardstown when incorporated in 1788. Over.
Courthouse square, US 62, 150, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2168
Froman’s Road and Station / McGee’s Stone Castle. One mile to the northwest, Paul Froman, grandson of pioneer Joist Hite, cut his wagon road in 1781 from the Salt River stations near Bullitt’s Lick to his new station (1782) on the east side of Froman’s Creek. First improved road south of Towne branch of Salt. New fort sped settlement of central Nelson County. (Reverse) Paul Froman’s in-laws, Thomas, John, and Patrick McGee, jointly acquired the 1000-acre Froman claim. Patrick McGee, mason, hunter, land-locator, salt-maker, ferry and tavern operator, built Stone Castle beside Froman’s Station before 1790. One of first stone houses built after settlement of central Kentucky.
Ky. Hwy. 31E, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2349
Civil War in Bardstown. On October 4, 1862, Terry’s Texas Rangers, CSA, under the command of Col. John Wharton, were posted north of Bardstown at Fairgrounds crossroads on the Louisville Pike, to intercept units of Buell’s Union Army of the Ohio, moving south. Bragg’s CSA Army of Mississippi was withdrawing from Bardstown, moving east toward Harrodsburg. (Reverse) The Ranger’s rear-guard action found itself confronted with far superior numbers. Wharton ordered the Rangers into columns and gave the bugle command to charge. The bold action broke the Union lines, scattering the cavalry troopers and infantry into disarray. This was a victory for the Texas Rangers who fought next at Battle of Perryville.
1468 North 3rd St., Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0956
County Named, 1784. For Thomas Nelson, 1738-89. Member Va. House of Burgesses. In the first provincial convention, 1774; Continental Congress, 1775-77 and 1779. Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Commander of Va. Militia, 1777-81. Governor of Va., 1781. Commended for selfless patriotism in ordering guns to fire on his own home, the British headquarters, at Yorktown, 1781.
Courthouse lawn, US 31-E, 62, Bardstown, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1943
Bethlehem Academy. Began 1819, when Bishop Flaget asked the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth to open elementary school in Bardstown area. Sisters Harriet Gardiner, Polly Beaven, and Nancy Lynch started school which Father David named Bethlehem. Served as elementary and high school for girls; moved to present site from 5th St., 1959. Became coed, 1970. Presented by Bethlehem High School.
Bethlehem High School, 309 W. Stephen Foster Ave., US 31-E & 62, Bardstown, KY, United States