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My time in downtown Louisville was only a few hours spent in the West Main District. I was on my way down to Nashville with my friend Manoli for a convention, and we decided to break up the drive with a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum.
West Main Street
We took some time to walk down West Main Street after visiting the museum. There are several historic buildings along the street, occupied by businesses and restaurants.
At the corner of 7th and Main is Fort Nelson Park. Fort Nelson was built on the spot in response to attacks by Native Americans and the threat of British attacks. A plaque commemorates the founding of Louisville in 1780 and the construction of the fort in 1782.
In front of a parking lot just west of 9th Street, a plaque pays homage to the Happy Birthday song. Happy Birthday to You was created by two sisters, Patty and Mildred Hill, after changing the lyrics of a song they originally published in 1893 (Good Morning to All). Both are buried at Cave Hill Cemetery.
Other Attractions
What did we miss? The West Main District is known as Museum Row because many museums are located along the street. The Muhammad Ali Center, which is a short walk from the Louisville Slugger Museum, had just opened a year before my visit. The Frazier History Museum, the Kentucky Science Center, and a couple of art museums are also located there. I look forward to my next trip to Louisville when I can spend more time visiting some of these attractions.
