Walking Tour of the Big Four Bridge June 28th

Louisville native and historian Rick Bell is leading a walking tour of the Big Four Bridge on the morning of Saturday, June 28. This former freight and passenger train bridge has proudly been transformed to a pedestrian and bicycle path spanning the Ohio River and connecting Louisville with Jeffersonville, Indiana.  Work has completed on the Indiana side of the bridge, and access to Jeffersonville opened in late May. While the bridge is open for use daily, the opportunity to cross it with a guide who has studied its history extensively should not be missed.

What's In A Name?

The Big Four Bridge has a long and somewhat sad history as well as a name that leaves you scratching your head. It was completed in 1895.  Thirty seven lives were lost during its construction. Due to financial difficulties brought on by the accidents, the bridge builder sold the bridge to the Indianapolis-based and now defunct Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway. This company was nicknamed the "Big Four Railroad" and therein lies the source of the bridge name.

A Second and Unusually Related Stop

Walking tour guide, Rick Bell will share the bridge's history. June marked the beginning of another history gig for Rick worth checking out in downtown Louisville if you enjoy his bridge tour. Rick is appearing as Jake the Bartender at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Speakeasy at 528 West Main Street. Jake the Bartender shares Prohibition-era stories from Louisville area on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The only Louisville stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Evan Williams has created a new experience for those with their bourbon trail passports already full.

To learn about other fun things to do in the area, please visit our Louisville Homes website.