History behind Louisville cemetery and cabin revealed

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A spring bubbling, birds chirping, freshly cut grass-- the sounds of the country are prevalent in eastern Jefferson County. But, instead of facing miles of farmland, a historic home has a view of Kohl's.

"I'll get passersby who say 'Hey, whose house is that'," said Shirley Harmon, director and curator for the Oxmoor Estate and Cemetery.

The home originally belonged to William Christian. He and his family moved from Virginia in 1785.

Expectations for Christian were high. Many believed he would become the first governor of Kentucky, but, he was killed by Native Americans after just nine months.

More than 200 years later, his cabin still stands.

"For this to be here, an oasis in the middle of the suburban sprawl, it's very rare." Harmon said.

Old photos show development inching closer and closer to the cabin throughout the decades.

Harmon says it has survived, because it was owned largely by two families. Now it's part of the Oxmoor Cemetery Corporation and is occupied by one tenant.

It's not open to the public. There's a bourbon connection to the property. In 1801, Evan Williams was contracted to build a stone fence around the cemetery.

"In that day and age, that was his job. That was what he did every day. The whiskey and bourbon was something he did on the side," Harmon explained.

Christian and his family are buried there. As are some Bullitts, because the two families are related by marriage.

The cemetery is usually locked up, but Harmon says there may be a walking path on the property one day.

"Give the community a little more knowledge about what happened here, who lived here, how this was such a vital part of this area's history," said Harmon.

Surrounded by the changing storefronts and restaurants, Harmon says the cabin and cemetery will remain a constant presence. "This will always be like this," she said.