History Bardstown, Kentucky

st. joseph proto-cathedral in bardstown

first settled european americans in 1780, bardstown second oldest city in kentucky. named county seat of newly created nelson county, virginia (now kentucky) in 1784, town formally established in 1788. incorporated state assembly in 1838.

reflecting westward migration of americans on blue ridge after revolutionary war, bardstown first center of roman catholicism west of appalachian mountains in original western frontier territories of united states. diocese of bardstown established on february 8, 1808, pope pius vii, (1742-1823, reigned 1800-1823), serve catholics between appalachians , mississippi river. divided previous all-encompassing diocese of baltimore, established in 1789. area served 44 dioceses , archdioceses in 10 states, showing development of communities catholics across nation immigration brought new populations.

the bardstown cathedral basilica of saint joseph proto-cathedral. in 1841 seat of diocese transferred nearby larger river town , port of louisville on south bank of ohio river. bardstown has roman catholic parochial high school, bethlehem high school.

the old talbott tavern, built in 1779 , located off courthouse square in center of bardstown, part of city s rich history. several notable americans passed through tavern s doors, including famed frontiersman daniel boone , future 16th president, abraham lincoln. bullet holes in upstairs wall reputed have been shot jesse james. people claim have encountered ghosts or other paranormal activity @ tavern.

bardstown site of old kentucky home state park. judge john rowan , wife ann lytle rowan commissioned construction of large mansion named federal hill, farm inspired rowan s cousin stephen foster write song old kentucky home . federal hill depicted on reverse of kentucky state quarter issued united states mint in 2002.

several distilleries operate in , around bardstown area, including jim beam, heaven hill, barton 1792 , maker s mark, located in nearby loretto. regional production of bourbon celebrated annual kentucky bourbon festival, promoters have trademarked phrase, bourbon capital of world, apply exclusively bardstown. local tourism commission promotes use of trademarked phrase. public museum, oscar getz museum of whiskey, showcases aspect of local history.

bardstown s downtown area designated historic district , listed on national register of historic places. in 2012, bardstown voted beautiful small town in america in destination marketing association international s best of road competition.