Louisville, Kentucky
Photos of my current hometown capture a rich tapestry of history and vibrant community life. Known for its impressive historical landmarks, the city offers countless opportunities for exploration, ranging from well-preserved architecture and museums to bustling local markets and scenic parks.
Each image tells a story of the past while showcasing the dynamic present, inviting viewers to experience the unique blend of heritage and modernity that defines this place. Whether through candid street scenes or carefully composed landscapes, these photos highlight the many things to see and do, making the hometown a compelling destination for residents and visitors alike.
Downtown Louisville viewed from the Indiana side of the Ohio River
The Mercer (formerly Aegon) Building in downtown Louisville. Its lighted glass dome is a central landmark of the city
Slugger Field, home of the AAA Louisville Bats baseball team
The Big Four bridge with its circular access ramp. The former railroad bridge has been converted to a pedestrian / bicycle path between Louisville and southern Indiana
The Big Four bridge at the top of the access ramp on the Kentucky side of the bridge
The Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum in downtown Louisville. All Louisville Slugger wooden bats are made in this facility, with many custom designs requested by Major League Baseball players. The museum holds artifacts from the history of the game. The bat sculpture is made of steel and is 120 feet tall.
The front of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby
L&N Stadium, home of the Louisville Cardinals football team
The sternwheel paddle boat Belle of Louisville plies the Ohio River
The Belle of Louisville at anchor at the edge of the downtown area
The Muhammad Ali Center dedicated to the life and career of the Louisville native boxer and humanitarian
The KFC YUM! Center Arena in downtown Louisville, home of University of Louisville men's and women's basketball.
Apartment building across the street from the YUM! Center. In 1864, this was the Galt House Hotel. A historical marker outside the building indicates that Generals Ulysses Grant and William T Sherman planned the Siege of Atlanta here.
Grawemeyer Hall, offices of the president of the University of Louisville
Fountain in the St. James Court neighborhood. The neighborhood is famous for its annual juried art show
The Louisville Water Tower, built in 1860 and predating the more famous water tower in Chicago, it's still in use today.
Stacked rocks in Bluegrass Creek in Cherokee Park
Soldier's Retreat. On this property, Robert Anderson was born in 1805 to Revolutionary War Virginia Colonel Richard Anderson. Robert Anderson, a West Point graduate, was in charge of the Illinois militia in 1832 and mustered in a young captain named Abraham Lincoln for the Blackhawk War. Later, in the regular army as Major Robert Anderson, he commanded Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor at the start of the Civil War
Shotgun house near downtown Louisville. This house is celebrated as the home of Thomas Edison during the two years he lived in Louisville. While it's not known if this is the exact house, Edison did live in this neighborhood in this or a similar house
Interior of the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville, the seat of the Archdiocese of Louisville
A tugboat pushes barges loaded with coal up the Ohio River
The gravesite of Abraham Lincoln's paternal grandfather. He homesteaded this land using the German spelling of their name - Linkhorn. In 1786, he was killed by native Americans while clearing land on this site. His widow and three sons moves south, where the youngest fathered the future president 23 years later.
Flood waters cover the green light of a traffic signal during the 2018 waterfront flood. Similar floods occurred in 2019 and 2025
The Belle of Louisville rides high at anchor on the waterfront during the 2018 flood. Note the exit ramp from I-64 in the background. The mostly submerged lamp posts along the river walk are 12 feet tall.
Street sign showing a flooded River Rd during the 2025 waterfront flood