Chapter 3: Foundations of Human Activity

Louisville's growth as a city:

The history of Louisville has been influenced by it's geography and location. The rapids at the Falls of the Ohio created a barrier to river travel, and as a result, settlements grew up at this stopping point.  The city's early growth was influenced by the fact that river boats had to be uploaded and moved downriver before reaching the falls. By 1828, the population had swelled to 7,000 and Louisville became an incorporated city.  

Sources: 

www.hellolouisville.com 

www.wikipedia.org

Photo: Falls of the Ohio with downtown Louisville in the background. Present day.

Chapter 2: The Physical Environment

Louisville is part of the interior lowlands and has a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons.

The winter can get very cold and snow storms are frequent with an average of 16.4 inches of snowfall per year. January is the coldest month on average with highs of 41 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The city averages approximately 87 days a year with temperatures below freezing.  The wettest seasons are spring and fall, although rain is fairly constant year round. Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colors. Severe weather is not uncommon with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region.  Summer is typically hazy, hot, and humid with long periods of 90-100 degree temperatures and drought conditions at times. The average annual rainfall averages around 44 inches and the mean annual temperature averages around 56 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sources:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USKY1096?from=36hr_bottomnav_driving

Photo 1: Lush summer, Louisville, KY

Photo 2: Spring flowers, Louisville, KY

Photo 3: Cherokee Park in autumn, Louisville, KY

Photo 4: Horse pasture in winter, Louisville, KY

Chapter 1: Regions

Louisville, KY is located at the northern most part of Kentucky, along the Ohio River which borders southern Indiana. This location along the area was very desirable geographically and attracted many settlers. The first notable Anglo-American settler was George Rogers Clark in 1778. Louisville is part of the argicultural core, but it also borders the line of the changing South.  There seems to be less agreement about whether the Louisville region is part of the South, and the book even mentions this. Louisville is often considered part of the midwest, is located just above regions considered South, and just west of the appalachia region. This accounts for the uniqueness of the city.

Fun Facts from the US Census:

LOUISVILLE
Latitude: 38.254N Longitude: -85.759W.
Time Zone: Eastern Standard

Elevation: 466 feet.
The estimated population in 2003: 248,762.

Sources:

www.census.gov