--HISTORICAL SITES - Bluegrass, Blues and Barbecue Region
	Travel along Western Kentucky's Bluegrass, Blues and Barbecue Region and you'll unravel a trail of intriguing discoveries and delightful treasures. HENDERSON COUNTY John James Audubon Museum and Nature Center Discover history and nature together at the John James Audubon Museum and Nature Center. The renovated Museum is the permanent home of the L.S. Tyler Audubon Collection - a historically significant collection of paintings, writings and personal artifacts of John James Audubon, the first artist/ornithologist to depict life-size birds and animals in their natural surroundings. The main building, an excellent example of the French Norman style, was constructed in the 1930's by the Work Projects Administration and is now on the National Historic Register. The building underwent a $2.2 million renovation in 1993 and now features a new Nature Center where all ages can observe and learn about birds in their natural habitat. U.S. 41 N. - Audubon State Park (270) 826-2247. Central Park - Downtown Henderson. Founded in 1797, said to be the first park west of the Allegheny Mountains and today is filled with historic war markers. Audubon Mill Park - On the riverfront, Dowtown Henderson. This park occupies the site of John James Audubon's gristmill, built in 1817. Henderson County Public Library - Main Street, Henderson. (270) 826-3712 This Carnegie Library is the oldest public building in Hederson. Established in 1904, it is still being used for its original purpose. - www.hepl.org DAVIESS COUNTY Travel down the Audubon Parkway to Daviess County to the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art where you can surround yourself with history. Two historical structures house the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, the old Carnegie Free Public Library building and the restored Civil War Era home, the John Hampden Smith House. The unique Stained Glass Gallery presents a permanent installation of sixteen turn-of-the-century Stained glass windows crafted by the internationally recognized German-American stained glass maker, Emil Frei (1867 - 1941). Once inside, you'll discover the treasures of one of Kentucky's largest art museums including many nationally recognized exhibits, traveling collections and permanent showings that date from the 16th century to the present. 901 Frederica St. (U.S. 431) (270) 685-3181. Owensboro Area Museum of Science & History - 220 Daviess Street, Owensboro. (270) 687-2732 - www.owensborareamuseum.com. Observe a Columbian Mammoth in our Ice Age Gallery, explore ENCOUNTER, a hands-on gallery where education is child's play, discover how our government works in the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center or cruise through Speedzeum, our new motor sports gallery (opens summer 2003). National traveling exhibitions in our first floor gallery. Open Monday - Saturday, 10:00 - 5:00; closed Sundays and holidays. World's Largest Sassafras Tree - 2100 Frederica Street, (E.M. Ford Insurance Co.), Owensboro. Over 100 feet and with a circumference of approximately 16 feet, it's the largest of its kind, registered with the American Forestry Association, thought to be 250 to 300 years old. Mount Saint Joseph Center - 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount (270) 229-4103, by appointment only. Originally instituted in 1874, the Mouont St. Joseph Convent and Center buildings are listed on the National Historic Register. Smothers Park and English Park - Two Ohio riverfront parks, Owensboro. Historical plaques along the river sidewalks tell the importance of the Ohio River in the development of Daviess County. HANCOCK COUNTY Take U.S. 60 to the oldest courthouse in Kentucky - the Hancock County Courthouse. On the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse was built in the late 1860'sfor the sum of $14,975. The old courthouse was renovated in the 1970's and is still in active use today as a governmental facility complete with its original red brick and restored dome. Its high ceilings, beautiful woodwork, numerous windows and spacious rooms mirror the ideas of nineteenth century architecture. A restored courtroom exhibit of the original furnishings may be seen at the Hancock County Museum where you can also find artifacts, documents and records from the old days of the courthouse. The Hancock County Archives on the third floor of the courthouse is the place to research your family. It contains many records plus the collection of the Hancock County Genealogical Society. Hancock County Museum - River Street, Hawesville (270) 295-6637, Sundays or by appointment only. Located in the old railroad depot, this museum houses interesting exhibitions of Hancock County history. Squire Pate House - Highway 334, Hawesville (270) 295-6565 Built of hewn logs in 1822, Abraham Lincoln argued his first law case here with Squire Pate presiding over the trial in 1827. Emmick Plantation Home - Lewisport, (270) 295-6750 Built in 1850, the home is still owned by the Emmick family and is restored and furnished with many original pieces of furniture. OHIO COUNTY Travel along KY 69 to Ohio County and historic Fort Hartford where, at the 500 acre Ohio County Park, is an impressive replica of Fort Hartford - the first fortified settlement in the lower Green River Valley. The 100-foot by 150-foot structure invokes the fort which protected early settlers of Hartford from Indian attacks from 1782 to 1810. An authentic two-room log cabin, believed to be built in 1840, stands in the courtyard. Come for the history and stay for the fun - the park is the location of the Ohio County Fair each September. Visitors to the park will also find full hook-up camping, miniature golf, a driving range, putting green, a disk golf course and a variety of sporting activities. Enjoy muzzleloader activities, bingo games and country-western line dancing on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the park's recreational building. Hourse Shows are the 4th Satuurday in each month. For more information visit www.ohiocountypark.com Ohio County Historical Society Museum - Main Street, Hartford (270) 298-3177 This complex features four historic buildings: an 1838 cabin, the historic Thomas Home, a country and a rustic homestead building. Fordsville Depot Museum - Walnut Street, Fordsville, (270) 276-5656, Open Daily 10 am - 2 pm. This railroad museum also includes a historic depot. Rosine Cemetery - Rosine. This historic cemetery is the burial site of Uncle Pen Vandiver and The Monroe Brothers, the founders of Bluegrass Music. MUHLENBERG COUNTY From Ohio County travel west on the Western Kentucky Parkway to Muhlenberg County's Central City where you'll hit the era of good times and rock n' roll at the Everly Brothers Monument. The Monument is now located at 208 North First Street in Central City, KY. It is sure to bring back old memories as it pays tribute to Muhlenberg County's own Everly Brothers. If your trip is near Labor Day weekend, be sure to catch the Central City / Everly Brothers Music Festival. Enjoy the sounds of the 50's, 60's and other musical eras, and don't miss the Everly Brothers gift shop, located at 208 North First Street in Central City. (270)754-2360 or (270)754-9603 Everly Brothers Monument Duncan Cultural Center Museum & Art Gallery - 122 S. Cherry Street, Greenville (270) 338-2605 Originally one of the finer homes in Greenville built around 1910, the Duncan Home now features displays of local history and a variety of exhibits, including a monthly featured artist. Four Legends Fountain - Drakesboro, (270) 338-5422 Pay tribute to some of the best guitar players in history including Merle Travis, Mose Rager, Ike Everly and Kennedy Jones. Muhlenberg County Courthouse and War Memorial - Downtown Greenville, (270) 338-5422 The present day courthouse in Muhlenberg County was built in 1906 for $75,000. On the south side is the unique War Memorial that includes the names of 7,000 Muhlenberg County veterans from four wars. MCLEAN COUNTY A short trip North on KY 81 will take you a long way back in history to McLean County and the Civil War Battle of Sacramento. The year was 1861 and the CSA cavalry from Hopkinsville under Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest surprised Union forces under Major Eli H. Murray on December 28. Come visit the battlefield where Forrest first used his famous flanking tactic and sent dismounted men to attack enemy flanks and break up the Union forces. Forrest pursued four miles, dispersed USA troops, and returned to Hopkinsville. During the 3rd weekend in May, you can see live re-enactments of the Battle of Sacramento staged on part of the original battle site. Also that weekend, living history camps will be open for public viewing. Griffith-Franklin House - 207 West 2nd Street, Calhoun Built in 1854, this historic house was used during the Civil War as a hospital and headquarters of the Union General Thomas L. Crittenden and is on the National Register. Historic Green & Rough River Overlook - Livermore Riverfront Climb the steps of this converted railroad bridge pier for an excellent view of the merging Rough River and Green River. It was first used in 1871 when the line first opened. L - Railroad Caboose - Hwy 136, Livermore Explore the site of the "Old Train Depot" adjacent to a landscaped weekend trail. HOPKINS COUNTY From Sacramento travel west on KY 85 and you'll soon arrive in historic, downtown Madisonville. Not far from Main Street is where you'll find the Historical Society of Hopkins County Museum and the Ruby Laffoon Cabin. This two-room cabin was the birthplace of Ruby Laffoon who served as the governor of Kentucky from 1931 to 1935. Restored by the Historical Society and rebuilt from the original logs, the cabin today is furnished with original furniture and period pieces. Historic Downtown Hanson - You can’t afford to miss a visit to Kentucky’s smallest historic district. Spend a day in the numerous antique and gift shops and have lunch at the delicious Campus Fish House and Grill. Eight of the buildings have been restored to their original structures. Riverside Park - Home to the first Tradewater Pirates Baseball Team, this park has been restored back to its original structure.  Today you can catch a game by the current Tradewater Pirates. White Plains War Memorial - This small town in southern Hopkins County holds a war memorial and caboose for tour next to the railroad tracks now transformed to a beautiful walking trail. Mortons Gap Historical Sites - Two homes over 100 years old, a historical church and jail, and one of the oldest barber shops in the county are all situated in this charming small town.  All records to the jail dating back to the 1800’s and plaques outside the church and jail offer insight into the town’s history. Old Ship" - 304 Union Street, Madisonville Built in 1857 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, this pre-civil war home features the Federal style of architecture complete with an old stone wall and wrought iron carriage gates. Morton Bank Building - 7 North Main, Madisonville Built in 1898 as the first bank in Hopkins County, it has recently been restored to its original splendor. Dawson Springs - U.S. 62 From the start of the century until the mid-1920's, this was one of the best known spas, health resorts in the South where thousands gathered for its curative waters and social activities. WEBSTER COUNTY A trip on US 41A takes you to Webster County where the name of the county itself has historical significance. The county was named in honor of Daniel Webster, on of the greatest of American orators, statemen and lawyers, and established in 1860. When you visit Webster County, be sure to see the historic War Memorial on the Courthouse Lawn in Dixon. Built in remembrance of 85 Webster County residents who died in World Wars I & II, it's a true reminder of the part Webster County played in the history of our nation. Rice House - 400 Main Street, Dixon Birthplace of poet Cale Young Rice and his philanthropist wife, Leban Lace Rice. Some outstanding tiltes of Rice and his wife are Bridging the Years, Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch, and Passionate Follies. Battle of Burnt Mill - KY 630, near Vanderburg, Dixon This was the first battle of the Civil War to take place in Kentucky in 1861. Harp's Head - U.S. 41A, Dixon The head of notorious outlaw, Big (Micajah) Harp, was hung here in 1800 as a warning to other outlaws after he and Little (Wiley) Harp roamed Kentucky from 1798-99 on a crime spree. UNION COUNTY End your tour by traveling west on KY 56 to Union County where you'll find camp Breckinridge on US 60. During World War II this 36,000 acre site was developed into a training facility for soldiers. Two of the soldier residents were presidential nominee Bob Dole and baseball great Jackie Robinson who signed his break-through contract while at Camp Breckinridge. Later prisoners of war from Europe were held here. Some of these prisoners painted murals on the "Officers Club" walls. Today one of these buildings containing the origional art is being preserved as the Union County Museum and Arts Center. St. Vincent's Academy - Near the junction of US 60 and KY 141 The Sisters of Charity from Nazareth, Angela Spink, Frances Garden and Cecily O'Brien, arrived here in 1820 and founded a girl's boarding schoolon this site. With the aid of Father Elisha Durbin, the school gained renown and was in operation until 1967. The first Catholic cemetery in the county is adjacent to the school site. (Buried here are several Revolutionary War soldiers.) Courthouse Lawn - KY 56, Union County Abraham Lincoln gave his only political speech in his native state here in 1840 at the age of 31.
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