Louisville has a diverse and vibrant art and cultural scene, rich history,
award-winning restaurants,
diverse shopping, and energetic sports scene. While in Louisville, you can spend time to know the city people, culture, history and neighborhoods that make the Ville. There’s a blend of traditions and cultures, it is the place where the Midwest and American South meets the world. Know the city before you arrive through our guide.
Image by Peter2006son via Wikimedia Commons
History of Louisville
Louisville was named after King Louis XVI of France for his aid during the Revolutionary war. In 1778, George Rogers Clark founded Louisville. In the 1800s, the steamboat was invented that led to the industrial growth, and by 1830, the city became the largest city in Kentucky. The city was a significant Union base of operations and main military supply center during the civil war. Later, Louisville came out as a prosperous city with many manufacturers and merchants. The city became a main commercial hub due to its strategic position at the Falls of the Ohio. During the World War II, Louisville became the largest producer of synthetic rubber in the world. In the postwar era, the city has witnessed many developments. In the late 1900s, the downtown saw a growth in tourist, residential and retail. Louisville has been home to many great personalities who transformed the face of American history.
Important Location in Louisville
Louisville, the Derby City, has a multicultural heritage and dynamic history which is kept alive through several institutions and museums dotted throughout the city. Discover the natural wonders of Kentucky at the Jefferson Memorial forest, take a cruise on the Belle of Louisville and remember the Ville’s origins as a riverboat city, encounter with animals at the Louisville Zoo, or know about the Ville’s most popular person and pugilistic arts master at the Muhammad Ali Center. The city has aplenty of locations to explore-
Kentucky Derby: This is the biggest horse race event held every year since 1875 in Louisville. To know in detail about this race event, visit the official website of the
Kentucky Derby Museum which has exhibits, such as racing artifacts, fine arts and interactive displays.
Locust Grove: Locust Grove is a national historic landmark, the home of the founder of Louisville and Revolutionary War hero- General George Rogers Clark.
Louisville Zoo: The Louisville Zoo has over 1,300 exotic animals including penguins, gorillas, polar bears, birds, and other animals.
People and Culture of Louisville
Louisville, nicknamed as the Gateway to the South, has people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. The city is influenced by Midwest and Southern culture. The city has religious institutions of several faiths. Louisville is considered as a livable city with low cost of living.
From sports legends, to authors, to singers/artists to actors, the city has produced some popular people. Some of the famous people born in Louisville, the Derby City are: Jennifer Lawrence, Muhammad Ali, Allen Allensworth, Hunter S. Thompson, Rajon Rondo, Jim James, and more.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Louisville
Time Zone
Louisville is in the Eastern Time Zone
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours (Eastern Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hour (Eastern Daylight Time, or EDT)
Phone Code
Country Code: 1
Area Code of Louisville: 502
Best Time to Visit Louisville
The best time to visit Louisville is spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). During spring and fall, the weather is pleasant. Summer (June-August) is also the ideal time to visit Louisville. There is a great influx of people during summer season in Louisville, and the hotel rates are also high.
The Louisville is famous for its Kentucky Derby festival. The city has an array of festivals and events throughout the year that form the fabric of the city. Experience the city’s diversity, culture and history through the events and festivals-
A Map Guide on Important Locations in Louisville
