Political Quotes

“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.”