The facade of Christian Heigold's 19th Century home is all that remains from the living structure.  Near the Ohio River east of Downtown Louisville, it tells a deep story of that time in America.

Similarly, German immigrant August Bloedner carved the oldest Civil War monument in America to honor his fallen fellow soldiers at Kentucky's Battle of Rowlett Station in 1861. It is kept safe from the elements at The Frazier History Museum.  

General William “Bull” Nelson of Mason County, secretly fought to keep Kentucky in the Union and was then famously murdered in Louisville's Galt House Hotel by Jefferson Davis (not the Jefferson Davis you’re thinking of).

Camp Nelson in Jessamine County, Kentucky, was named in his honor. The incredible historic site is now remembered for the hundreds of enlistments of Kentuckians into the U.S. Colored Troops. Poet Frank X Walker has written a collection of poems touching on these people and moments called Load in Nine Times—several of which are included in this episode covering both the history and his modern relationship with Camp Nelson.

"Big" Jim Porter was a world famous man from Portland, Kentucky who stood 7'8" tall. 

However, a Letcher County Man named Martin Van Buren Bates would come along and top him by and inch, at 7'9". Bates eventually married Anna Swan, who was tall than both men. 

Henrietta Wood and Madeline Pollard are two Kentucky Women who successfully sued Kentucky men in the 1800s. 

Henrietta was a free woman when Zebulon Ward abducted her and sent her back into slavery. Her suit for restitution was pivitol - and successful. 

Madeline Pollard sued Col. Breckinridge for breach of promise when he refused to marry her as once promised, following their years-long affair. 

Written by Megan Schanie

Annie Casey Glover, better known as Madame Glover was an Irish immigrant in the 1800s who became one of the leading dressmakers of America at her time. 

Mabel Kelly and her husband Wallace lived in Lebanon, KY where they pursued the artistic life. Both are featured in our 2025-26 exhibition Davis Jewelers Love and Marriage.

Find Wallace Kelly's movie "Our Day" at the Library of Congress here:https://www.loc.gov/item/2023600636/

Our first episode examines the lives of four Black photographers from Kentucky. Morgan and Marvin Smith were from Nicholasville, KY and operated a studio right next to The Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Moneta Sleet, of Owensboro, KY was the first Black man to win a Pulitzer Prize, which he won for his photo from Martin Luther King Jr's funeral. Finally, Louisville's Bud Dorsey worked a straight job while becoming one of the most visible photographers in the city for decades. 

Kentucky Wide is a new podcast produced by the Frazier History Museum. Join hosts Mick Sullivan and Sarah Jemerson along with a team of writers including Jason Berkowitz, Megan Schanie, Amanda Briede, and Simon Meiners. 

Season one will include stories of Morgan and Marvin Smith, Martin Van Buren Bates, Bull Nelson and more! Kentuckians are our focus, but you'll hear how Kentucky has impacted the world in many ways. Wherever you're from, join us for the adventure.