Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky. The population of Louisville is estimated 771,158 by 2017. Louisville-Jefferson County and 12 surrounding counties are home to 1,293,953 residents, in Kentucky and Indiana. Until 2003, when Louisville included additional territories, the area increased by 6 times, the population within the city limits was estimated at only 245,000 residents.
Due to its geographical location Louisville is considered the northernmost of the cities of the South of the United States. The city was influenced by the culture of the southern States and the culture of the Midwest.
The settlement, which eventually became Louisville, was founded in 1778 during the war of independence. The founder of the city is considered to be Colonel George Rogers Clark, who conducted a military campaign against British troops North of the Ohio River. The city was named after King Louis XVI of France, whose soldiers assisted the Americans in the war of independence.
The development of Louisville is largely due to the existence of a number of river rapids, nicknamed-falls of the Ohio. The rapids were a serious obstacle for navigation, so the help of people who knew the area, who could provide safe navigation on the 3-km segment, was required. In many cases, ship unloading was required, which was provided by the local colonies.
In the initial period of development, the economy of Louisville was based on river navigation. Louisville has become an important link between industrialized cities in the North and the South. Today, Louisville continues to be an important transportation hub. In addition to the river developed air and rail transport. In the region, there are 2 large automobile plant Ford. A third of all Bourbon whiskey is made in Louisville. In General, the structure of the workforce, 3/4 of the citizens are blue-collar (working class), and 1/4 white-collar workers.
The main event in the life of the city is held annually on the first Saturday of may. That's when the Kentucky Derby takes place. For Louisville, this is not a simple sports competition, but an important social and cultural event. There is also a Kentucky Derby Museum.
Kentucky Derby-the most prestigious races, which involved 3-year-old thoroughbred horses. The racetrack is located South of downtown in the town of Churchill Downs. The race on the 2-km oval track is known as the fastest 2 minutes in the sport.
Kentucky Derby is preceded by festive events. Kentucky Derby Festival takes place within 2 weeks before the Derby.
Since 2002, the city has been hosting the summer music festival Forecastle Festival, which over the years has turned into a significant event of important scale.
Louisville offers furnished rooms for students, interns, and working professionals looking for flexible monthly stays.
