Louisville honors historic Walnut Street with new historical marker

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's history was celebrated Tuesday with the unveiling of a new historical marker at the corner of 13th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, officially naming the area Old Walnut Way.

The site is located on what was once Walnut Street—a bustling corridor in Louisville known for its thriving Black-owned businesses, entertainment venues and cultural significance during segregation. The area reached its peak between the 1930s and the 1950s as a hub of Black excellence.

Nathaniel Spencer, a lifelong west Louisville resident and community activist, spearheaded the initiative for the historical marker. Spencer began a petition and shared his vision with Councilman Jecorey Arthur, I-District 4, who became a strong supporter of the project. The effort gained momentum with the support of local advocates, including Ken Clay — who opened the city’s first African American culture shop — sculptor Ed Hamilton and activist Rhonda Mathis.

While Arthur is typically cautious about honorary street signs due to their cost, he said this marker was different.

"I was kinda surprised that we didn’t have a street sign honoring Walnut Street," he said. "It's important that when people see it, they can pull out their phones and Google it. They can go to the Western Library in Russell and look up that history, and it inspires them to continue fighting for the future we all deserve."

Kevin Fields, president of the Louisville Central Community Centers, also shared his connection to the area. Fields, who grew up in the former Beecher Terrace Housing Projects near Walnut Street, fondly recalls visiting the Top Hat Club, a popular spot on Walnut. His experiences fueled his passion for community transformation.

"When we acquired this property at 1300 Ali Boulevard in 1999, we claimed a vision of Old Walnut Street," Fields said. "Our campus is called Old Walnut Street, and we claim the vision of being a catalyst for economic transformation."

Walnut Street, once a symbol of Black prosperity, suffered significant demolition during urban renewal in the late 1960s. Now, this historical marker serves as a reminder of the area’s rich legacy and inspires a new generation to honor its past while working toward a brighter future.