Louisville

Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and the principal city of the Louisville metropolitan area. It lies along the Ohio River opposite Jeffersonville, Indiana. The city is famous for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, an annual event that has helped shape Louisville’s identity as a center of horse racing and tourism.

Founded in 1778 by explorer George Rogers Clark near the Falls of the Ohio, Louisville was named for Louis XVI of France. It developed as a major river port and transportation hub, expanding through the 19th and 20th centuries with industry, manufacturing, and trade. In 2003, Louisville and Jefferson County merged to form a consolidated city-county government known as Louisville Metro.

Geographically, Louisville has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. As of recent estimates, the city proper houses several hundred thousand residents, while the surrounding metro area supports a population well over a million, making it a central population and economic center in the region.

The economy is diversified, with strengths in manufacturing, distribution and logistics, healthcare, education, and tourism. The bourbon industry and horse racing contribute to regional culture and commerce. The University of Louisville and other institutions anchor higher education and research, supporting a range of services and innovation.

Culturally, Louisville hosts notable institutions such as the Muhammad Ali Center and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, reflecting its athletic and artistic heritage. The University of Louisville is a major public research university, and the city supports a growing arts scene, culinary offerings, and festivals that highlight its regional culture.

Transportation infrastructure includes Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and a network of interstates (I-64, I-65, I-71), with river traffic and rail connections supporting regional commerce.