Jeffersontown, KY

In the late 1770's, the Kentucky ridge on which Jeffersontown would be built was still the forest home of deer, elk, wildcats, and bears. Buffalo lumbered along ancient forest trails on their way to salt licks. Indians also hunted here.

But by the late 1790's, this area rang with the sounds of settlers whose wagons rumbled over rutted dirt roads as they moved eastward from Louisville toward their newly claimed land. This movement created a natural crossroads on the ridge and early entrepreneurs soon set up shop.

In 1794, Abraham Bruner saw the potential for a town, purchased a ridge, and divided a 40-acre tract into streets and lots. On May 3rd 1797, the Jefferson County Court officially established the Town of Jefferson, now Jeffersontown, although most of its inhabitants called it Brunerstown.

Jeffersontown developed into a friendly village where dusty streets and stone sidewalks gave entry into the shops and well-kept homes of prosperous merchants. George Doup's brewery was located where he could take advantage of the town's spring-fed pond. In Adam Hoke's tobacco shop, his six daughters rolled fine cigars. Mr. Baringer wove cloth, and Fred Stucky was the town's skilled tailor. There were stonecutters, wheelwrights, a saddler, and other craftsmen whose quality wares supplied the surrounding countryside and even some stores in Louisville.

Change came slowly. But in the late 1800s the Louisville and Taylorsville Pike, a broken rock road, replaced the former dirt road through town. The Southern Railroad built a depot, and in 1903 the Electric Railway, or Interurban, established a route from Louisville to Jeffersontown's public square.

In the 1950s, Taylorsville Road was widened and General Electric's Appliance Park was opened, bringing new residents to the area. In the following decade, the interchange at I-64 and Hurstbourne Lane put downtown Louisville within easy reach. The Bluegrass Industrial Park was constructed, and in 1972 a 700-acre dairy farm became a planned community of homes, apartments, stores, and offices.

By the time the town celebrated its bicentennial in 1997, more than 25,000 people lived in Jeffersontown, and over 33,000 worked in the Bluegrass Industrial Park, making Jeffersontown the third largest employer in the state and the second largest city in Jefferson County.

From Jeffersontown, Kentucky-The First 200 Years

Greetings Friends and Neighbors!

Don't blink, summer has nearly passed us by. Even though back to school preparations are being made, there are still many opportunities for summertime activities in Jeffersontown . The Plainview Swim and Tennis Center continues to be an enjoyable spot to catch some rays or swim. The pools will remain open for your use through Labor Day. Don't forget to stop by the Farmer's Market Pavilion on Gaslight Square . Locally grown produce is available on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Phase I construction of the Gaslight Recreational and Workplace Trail System continues; and, if the weather cooperates, I expect the trail to be opened in late September. It is very satisfying to witness the progress of this bike and pedestrian trail. It will become an excellent opportunity for physical fitness for years to come.

Most of you know how important the appearance of our City is and are aware that we only get one chance to make a first impression to our visitors. Those visiting Jeffersontown may be here for a baseball tournament or, more importantly, looking for a site to locate a new business. The staff of our Public Works Department and Parks & Recreation Department work very hard to keep our city fresh and clean. From the flower baskets on Gaslight Square to mowing the grass medians on Hurstbourne Parkway , these men take pride in a clean city. I want to express my appreciation for the fine job that they do every week. Please do your part to keep Jeffersontown visually appealing. I applaud the combined efforts of our community as we conscientiously strive for a community environment that is aesthetically appealing to all who visit, work or live here.

Mark your calendars for September 9^th-16^th as The Chamber-Jeffersontown will once again host the Gaslight Festival. This will be the 38^th year for this annual event that brings countless visitors to our community. For many, it has become a traditional event where old friendships and family ties are renewed. This newsletter contains a schedule of events and activities of the Gaslight Festival. Please support this well-organized festival by making plans to attend, inviting others to attend, volunteering to help with events and enjoying all that the festival provides.

"Back to school" season is upon us once again. It is inevitable that some of us may run late from time to time: however, it is crucially important that we alert ourselves to school bus pick-up and drop-off hazards. Let us put the care and well being of our community's children at the forefront of our thoughts as we commute each day.

Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our business and residential community.