[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 43 (Monday, April 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING LOUISVILLE PIONEER JAMES GUTHRIE

  Mr. FORD. Madam President, on April 22nd, Louisville will honor one 
of its foremost, but often forgotten leaders, James Guthrie. Guthrie, 
was one of Louisville's most prominent citizens in the 19th Century, 
described as the city's ``first and foremost mover and shaker.''
  During his distinguished business and political career, he served as 
President of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and the University 
of Louisville. As a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, he 
successfully ushered through Kentucky's first city charter elevating 
Louisville from a town to a city. He was instrumental in the founding 
of Cave Hill Cemetery, lighting the streets with gas lights, building 
the first bridge across the Ohio River, and founding what would become 
the University of Louisville's medical college.
  Mr. Guthrie left his mark on the national level as well. Under 
President Franklin Pierce he served as Secretary to the U.S. Treasury 
and in 1865 he was elected to the U.S. Senate.
  A 19th Century railroad tycoon, Guthrie was a product of the 
frontier. Born in Bardstown, Kentucky, he rose from modest means to a 
position of great prominence, including building a reputation as an 
outstanding lawyer. And while he may have failed in his efforts to see 
Louisville named the state capital, there is little else at which he 
didn't succeed once setting his mind to it.
  One of his most noted accomplishments was improving transportation, 
including development of railroad transportation from Louisville to 
Frankfort, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati, even when it meant 
playing hardball to reach his goal.
  Despite his long list of contributions to Louisville, the 
Commonwealth of Kentucky and the nation as a whole, there is relatively 
little in the way of historical markers to remind people of his 
tremendous influence. To remedy that situation, an historic marker will 
be dedicated at the intersection of Fourth and Guthrie Streets.
  Madam President, it certainly seems fitting that we take time to 
assure someone who contributed so much is remembered by future 
generations. And I know I join all Kentuckians in lending my support to 
the City of Louisville's efforts at memorializing a man so committed to 
Kentucky and the nation.

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