Hey, history buffs. We’re back with another iteration in our series exploring Louisville’s historical markers. Today, we’re taking a look at Marker No. 1992: Louisville Cemetery.
Located at Eastern Parkway and Poplar Level Road, the marker honors the 31-acre cemetery incorporated in March 1886 by prominent Black citizens Bishop W.H. Miles, H.C. Weeden, J. Meriwether, A.J. Bibb, W.P. Churchill, William H. Gibson Sr., and Felix Johnson.
Louisville Cemetery is the final resting place for several notable Derby City residents:
- Dr. Robert B. Scott, co-founder of Louisville Red Cross Hospital
- Educator and civil rights leader Atwood S. Wilson
- History-making blues guitarist Sylvester Weaver
- Community activist Bessie Allen
On the marker’s reverse, you’ll find the story of William Walker, Sr., one of Kentucky’s most remarkable horsemen.
- Walker was born into slavery in Woodford County in 1860.
- He became Churchill Downs’ leading jockey from 1875 to 1878 and won the 1877 Kentucky Derby aboard Baden-Baden.
- Nicknamed “Uncle Bill,” Walker went on to become an expert in Thoroughbred bloodlines and is remembered for helping shape the modern racehorse.
- He died in 1933 and is buried at Louisville Cemetery.
Keep exploring Louisville history by digging into our previous editions of Flackback Friday:
Mulberry Hill | Located in George Rogers Clark Park, this sign marks the home of William Clark as well as the enslaved man York, who accompanied Clark along with Meriwether Lewis on their expedition across the Louisiana Purchase in 1804.
William H. Sheppard | After leading missionary work in Africa, Sheppard became the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church and was a faith leader in Smoketown until he died in 1927. His historical marker stands in front of the housing development that bears his name.
Have a historical marker you’d like us to feature? Drop us a line and let us know.
