The Evolution of Butchertown

Butchertown started construction in the 1820’s and lies just east of downtown Louisville. This simple community was once the home to the famed inventor Thomas Edison, who owned a shotgun house on Washington Street in 1866. Adam, Webster and Clay Streets are named for Whig Party members John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster and Henry Clay. The front of the former Heigold house from the early 19th century has been preserved on Fulton Street and still displays a detailed sketch of the early Whig Party leaders. It also has the words "dedicated to the greatest man in history, George Washington" etched across its front.

Initially, Butchertown was not the friendly community it is now. During August of 1855, it was home to many Irish and German immigrants and the riots known as "Bloody Monday" took place there. The area was also an ideal spot for butchers and stockyards, as waste products could be routed away from the downtown via the Beargrass Creek.

Don’t let yourself be deterred by the neighborhoods colorful past. Times have changed a great deal for Butchertown. The neighborhood was reborn in the 1990’s as a thriving community. Now many young professionals call this area home due to a large amount of revitalization that took place. The empty store fronts were converted into condominiums at Market and Campbell Streets and Waterfront Park expanded. The Certified Historic Redevelopment is working on an exciting project at 1205 E. Washington Street, where a building called The Pointe is being converted from a deteriorated warehouse into a mixed development structure.

Butchertown has become a friendly community that’s evolving for the better of its residents. The current borders are I-65, Main Street, I-71, Beargrass Creek and Mellwood Ave. The neighborhood is full of history and offers a welcoming home to families and small businesses. It offers an ideal location for those that want a home close to the heart of downtown, without actually living there. Not to mention, Butchertown provides residents easy access to the thriving world of art located on Mellwood and monthly excursions with the Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop.

To learn more about great neighborhoods in the area, please visit Louisville Subdivisions.