Louisville's Fern Creek

By: Geoffrey Long Brandreth and Cheryl Brandreth

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Synopsis: Located in southeastern Jefferson County, Louisville's Fern Creek community was settled in the 1780s with land grants given by Virginia for military service. The construction of the Louisville-Bardstown Turnpike encouraged Fern Creek's growth as farmers settled the land along the route. Originally known as Stringtown for the appearance of the houses that sprang up along Bardstown Pike, Fern Creek is named after the creek that meanders through the area. Due to the abundant sources of water throughout the southeastern portion of Jefferson County, several mills operated in the area, most notably in Buechel, on Cedar Creek, and on Floyd's Fork. The erection of mills provided early settlers the means to grind corn and wheat. Originally an agricultural community of fields, orchards, and stables, Fern Creek established the Farmers and Fruit Growers Association in 1880 and the Jefferson County Fair Company, which operated at the Fern Creek Fairgrounds until 1928.