About City

Louisville is the largest city in the American State of Kentucky (according to the data of 2008, it counted 713.4 thousand people).

The area, where the modern Louisvilleis situated now, was historical territory of the settlement of Indian tribes. The first European fortress emerged here (on the CornIsland) upon the request of the Colonel George Rogers Clark in 1778. After two years, the General Assembly of Virginia approved the foundation ofLouisville named so commemorating the King Louis XVI ofFrance as a mark of appreciation for French volunteers who helped the Americans in their war for freedom

However, the city status was obtained byLouisvillein 1828 only, when the number of its inhabitants reached the mark of 7 thousand. The conversion ofLouisvillefrom a distant camp into a large cargo port was highly facilitated by the most important transportation artery of the city – theriverofOhio– as well as convenient geographical situation exactly in front of theRiverFalls, as long as the ships needed a handling before they went down the river.

The city had been quickly developing also due to its role as one of the major centres of slave-trade and a transition point for black slaves: Kentucky was the border state in the North but preserved slave-trade in the course of the civil war, whereas a free way to the North was open to the slaves once they came over Ohio.

Louisville may also be proud of its achievements. The university was opened as early as in 1813. TheEdisonbulb was showed to the public for the first time here. Besides, first surgeries with transmission of a live human hand as well as closed artificial heart were held inLouisvilleas well.

Like many other American cities, Louisville lost its significance in 1960-1970s. However, it has been winning back its positions since 1980s thanks to a new development direction – construction of objects of the entertainment industry as well as re-conception of separate spaces. In that way, new various shops, first-class restaurants, night clubs, luxury apartments, and entertainment spaces for the whole family like Fourth Street Live! and Waterfront Park, rebuilt from the former embankment, appeared.

As regards spectating events, Kentucky Derby is the most beloved one. It has been taking place since 1875 года, on the first Saturday in May, and accompanied by an eponymous Festival 2 weeks before, which – along with a famous fireworks show - includes about 70 various events. Such sites shouldn’t be forgot either like the Shakespeare Festival in July or the Adam Matthews Balloon Festival in September.

Twin city of Perm since 1994. 

http://www.louisvilleky.gov