March 20, 2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

61º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:45 a.m. | Sunset 7:55 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Hidden history in Clifton

An old map of Louisville, Kentucky, showing forts from the Civil War era.

This map shows the location of Fort Elstner, on a hill between “Brownsborough Turnpike Road” and the “Louisville and Lexington Turnpike Road.” | Image via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know: The Clifton neighborhood was once home to a Civil War fort?

It’s true. One home on Vernon Avenue was even built where a large cannon used to be housed, according to LOUtoday reader Brandi N.

According to neighborhood lore, Fort Elstner was located between Frankfort Avenue and Brownsboro Road, near the end of modern day Vernon Avenue. It was built from earth and timber and was surrounded by a ditch — soldiers would use a drawbridge to go in and out.

The fort featured cannons pointed down Brownsboro Road — imagine that view on your morning commute. Inside, it housed ~200 rounds of artillery shells, aka cannon balls. Over the years, a few of them have even been found buried in the area. It was named for George R. Elstner, a Lieutenant Colonel of the 50th Ohio Infantry who died in Georgia in August 1864.

Those cannons never fired a ball, at least not in battle. Fort Elstner was built from 1864 to 1865 — near the end of the war — and was never used in a fight. In all, there were 11 forts built around Louisville around that time, all built to protect the city in response to the Battle of Perryville, which took place ~80 miles away.

Fort Elstner was abandoned several years after the war, with children playing in its ruins according to one local history. Virtually none of the former fort remains visible in the area today.

A green street sign on a wooden post, pointing in the direction of a staircase. The sign calls the staircase, "the Chicken Steps." — Neighborhood residents think the name of the steps refer to the fact that people are “too chicken” to climb them at night.
|
Photo by LOUtoday

Bonus: Near the historic location of Fort Elstner lies another local landmark — the Chicken Steps. A pedestrian staircase leading folks from Brownsboro Road into the neighborhood above, the origin of the name has been lost to time.

One egg-splanation suspects that the name came about after residents raised chickens in the area, roosting on the hilltop. Clifton residents also say people are “too chicken” to climb the steps at night, hence the name.

Asked

Have you heard of the Chicken Steps in Clifton?

A. Yes, of course
B. Chicken Steps? What the cluck?

Don't be chicken

Events

Thursday, March 21

Full Proof Series: Whiskey and Wings | Thursday, March 21 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Proof on Main, 702 W. Main St., Louisville | $50 | Celebrate International Whiskey Day with booze from around the world while eating three flavors of chicken wings, including calabrian chile.
Project Prom | Thursday, March 21 | Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Rd., Louisville | Free | Bring your high schooler and help them find the perfect prom dress, with proceeds benefiting the Family Scholar House.

Friday, March 22

Sippy Cup Strolls: African Safari | Friday, March 22 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville | $12-$30 | Bring the kids for an early-morning walk through the zoo where they’ll learn about animals from Africa.
Apples to Apples - A Distiller’s Dinner Experience | Friday, March 22 | 5:30 p.m. | Copper & Kings, 1121 E. Washington St., Louisville | $120 | Learn about cider while sipping some from Vander Mill, then enjoy a paired dinner while you listen to an expert speaker.
Ledisi: The Good Life Tour | Friday, March 22 | 8 p.m. | Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th St., Louisville | $50.50-$100.50 | See the GRAMMY-nominated R&B + jazz performer.

Saturday, March 23

Derby Hat Exchange | Saturday, March 23 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | HelloSpoke, 118 E. Main St. #Ste. 100, Louisville | $35 | Get ready for the 150th Derby by swapping hats with other fashionistas.
Louisville Bats HBCU Classic | Saturday, March 23 | 1-5 p.m. | Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St., Louisville | Free | See the Kentucky State University Thorobreds take on the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers on the baseball diamond.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

▼SPONSORED▼

Health

Sprained ankle? We know exactly who to call.

Regardless of your condition, UofL Health - Orthopedics specialists can provide just the right care — addressing complex and minor injuries, diabetic foot conditions, fractures, joint replacements, arthritis, toe and nail treatments, and more. | Photo provided by UofL Health

Did you know foot and ankle injuries are the most common injuries in runners and many other athletes? In fact, more than 20% of injuries in athletes are of the lower extremity.

Foot and ankle pain can affect the way you run, which can lead to worsening injury and pain. UofL Health – Orthopedics team of specialty-trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons can help you get back on your feet — literally.

Take the right step forward

News Notes

Closing

After 28 years selling records in the Highlands + Germantown, Underground Sounds will close in May. The space at 1006 Barret Ave. will be converted into a tequila bar by new owners. The record store moved there in 2019 after 24 years on Highland Avenue. (WDRB)

Health

UofL Health South is now open in Bullitt County. Located at 1903 Hebron Ln., the $78 million facility houses 40 inpatient beds, 10 intensive care beds, a pharmacy, labratory, and other amenities. Bullitt County was the largest in Kentucky without an inpatient hospital. (WHAS11)

Sports

Shuffle up and deal, LOU — the 2024 North American Bridge Championships are being held at the Galt House hotel through Sunday, March 24. Entry fees start at $18, and there are events for newcomers + beginners, as well as introductions to other games, like backgammon and cribbage.

Read

Chef Ed Lee has a new book coming out, and you’ll be able to meet him. “Bourbon Land” comes out on Tuesday, April 2. The following day, Wednesday, April 3, Lee will offer food samples + make drinks during a book signing at Shop Bar (950 Barret Ave.) Tickets go on sale today.

Outdoors

Renovations to Elliott Park in the Russell neighborhood are progressing. Workers have laid concrete for the spray pad + field house restoration is underway. Fun fact: The park used to be home to Louisville’s only Major League Baseball team. Learn about the project.

Arts

The South Central Regional Library’s COLLIDER artist-in-residence program will celebrate seven years of operation on Saturday, March 23 with a hands-on art showcase. Bring the kiddos to learn stop-motion animation, see a puppet show, and more from 20 of the program’s former artists 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 7300 Jefferson Blvd.

Listen

Would Mick Cronin leave UCLA to coach at Louisville? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Now Open

Feeling lucky, Louisville? Derby City Gaming Downtown is Louisville’s new must-see destination for fun and games. Louisvillians can spin and win on the hottest games, wager on all the big games, and more. Plan your visit.*

Family

Let’s be real: Raising a child can take a village. Here are six ways the HANDS Program supports Bullitt County parents. Think: Milestone resources, activities for brain development + tips to baby proof your home.*

Trending

It’s the first day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Shop deals like 30% off a Bose bluetooth speaker and 30% off women’s high-waist workout leggings.*

Finance

Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*

Plan Ahead

Like our newsletter, these concerts are free

A concert stage is lit with red light, while a band performs before a crowd of a few hundred people.

The Crashers performed at Central Park in 2022. | Photo courtesy The Old Louisville Neighborhood Council

Picture this: It’s a warm, clear, spring Saturday evening. You’re sitting beneath the trees, surrounded by Victorian mansions in Louisville’s picturesque Central Park, sipping a locally brewed beer and tapping your foot in rhythm to live music.

Sounds pretty good, right? Old Louisville LIVE, a free concert series, returns this year with a trio of performances at the Central Park amphitheater.

Here’s a peek at the full schedule:

The UofL Percussion Band — Saturday, April 13, 6:30-8 p.m. + kids activities starting at 5:30 p.m.
The Crashers — Friday, May 10, 8-10 p.m.
Hora Certa Brazilian Jazz Ensemble with Mike Tracy — Saturday, June 22, 7-9 p.m. at Treyton Oak Towers (211 W. Oak St.)

The series will also feature local food trucks + Old Louisville Brewery craft beer, as well as wine and bourbon at the concession stand, opening one hour before each concert starts.

The Buy

The Baby Shower Gift Guide. Give the gift of parenthood practicality or highchair high-fashion for the growing family in your life.

Share LOUtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_17}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jeff

From the editor

While most Louisville sports fans are focused on filling out their brackets this week, we’ve had a couple of national champions to celebrate from over the weekend.

The Bellarmine Knights wrestling team took home the NCWA National Championship over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Simmons College women’s basketball team also lifted some hardware, winning the National Christian College Athletic Association Division II national title. Now, if only the Louisville Cardinals women’s team could follow in their footsteps this month.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | SHOP