Falls of the Ohio rapids, 1922. A close up view of the rapids along the Falls of the Ohio in Louisville, Kentucky, site of one of the largest exposed coral reefs in the world, dating from the Devonian Period, 350-400 million years ago.
From the Caufield & Shook Collection, University of Louisville Archives & Special Collections.
Aerial view of Louisville, Kentucky, 1962. A large-scale aerial view of the city of Louisville, Kentucky. The Ohio River is shown to the north, including two bridges crossing to Indiana.
From the Caufield & Shook Collection, University of Louisville Archives & Special Collections.
Aerial view of Louisville, Kentucky capturing a portion of downtown and the Ohio River. In the bottom left is the distinctive tower of City Hall. Across the street from that at 527 W. Jefferson Street is the Jefferson County Courthouse (now known as Louisville Metro Hall). In the distance is the Big Four Bridge.
From the Caufield & Shook Collection, University of Louisville Archives & Special Collections.
Sections:
Louisville
Section 1. Panoramas of the RiversThe Ohio River flows by Louisville on its way to meet the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois. The rapids known as the Falls of the Ohio are the only natural barrier to navigation in the entirety of the Ohio River. What better place to found a town than at a natural portage site, where boat traffic must stop, passengers must disembark, and goods must be brought ashore before proceeding down the river? As forms of transportation have multiplied and river transport was joined by railways, automobiles, and trucks, Louisville and her river have continued to play a key role in transportation through the southeastern region of the United States. In addition to nourishing commercial activity, the river has also provided Louisville with scenes of natural beauty, and a place to escape the heat and bustle of urban life.