Louisville
| Official name | City of Louisville |
| Type | Consolidated city-county |
| Louisville skyline and Ohio River | |
| State | Kentucky |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1778 |
| Population | 630,000 (city), 1.3 million (metro) |
| Area (km²) | 1,032 |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 40201–40299 |
| Area code(s) | 502 |
Louisville is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 29th most populous city in the United States. Located on the Ohio River along the Indiana border, it’s best known for the Kentucky Derby, its bourbon heritage, and a rich blend of southern and Midwestern culture.
Overview
- Founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark
- Named in honor of King Louis XVI of France
- Merged with Jefferson County in 2003 to form Louisville Metro
Culture and Identity
- Famous for the Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs
- Known as the home of bourbon, with several major distilleries in and around the city
- A dynamic blend of southern charm and industrial grit
- Historic neighborhoods: Old Louisville, Highlands, NuLu, Germantown
History
- Played a strategic role in early westward expansion and Civil War logistics
- Major shipping and manufacturing hub due to its river location
- Birthplace of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali
Attractions
- Muhammad Ali Center
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Big Four Bridge – pedestrian link to Indiana
- Louisville Waterfront Park
- Numerous festivals: Forecastle Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, St. James Court Art Show
Economy
- Major sectors: healthcare, logistics, bourbon production, manufacturing, and tourism
- Headquarters for UPS Worldport, Humana, and GE Appliances
- Kentucky’s largest economy by GDP
Education
- University of Louisville – research university and sports powerhouse
- Several private colleges and strong public school system
Transportation
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
- Major interstates: I-64, I-65, I-71
- Important logistics hub for air freight via UPS
Fun Facts
- Old Louisville is the largest Victorian-style neighborhood in the U.S.
- The “Hot Brown” sandwich was invented here
- One of the few U.S. cities to claim both Southern and Midwestern cultural roots