St. Matthews

History of St. Matthews

Evidence of prehistoric tribes living in the region date back to 1000 CE and 1400 CE. In more modern times, European Americans arrived in 1779, when Colonel James Floyd and his soldiers claimed parcels that were given to them as spoils of the French and Indian War. During its earliest years, the area was extremely productive for tobacco and hemp plantations, in addition to the rearing of livestock and horses. Slaves were big business in early St. Matthews, as many masters exported their human traffic down to the Deep South for work on sugar and cotton plantations.

During the early 1900s, St. Matthews was the second-largest exporter of potatoes in the country. The Louisville, Lexington & Cincinnati Railroad made it easy to transport goods out of the region. During the 1920s, theaters and shopping centers popped up and the city became quite a productive retail center.

Louisville first made its move to annex the St. Matthews’ business district in 1946. However, the people were none too pleased, as it was presumed the city wanted all the revenue-producing areas, without providing services to the people living in the residential communities, so the state Court of Appeals ruled against the move in 1950. Later that year, Louisville agreed to annex more of the land and eventually all of the St. Matthews territory was incorporated, but only after bitter fights and compromises.

Neighborhood Statistics: Will You Fit In Here?

St. Matthews is a safe area with a low crime rate and flourishing college-age / retiree-age populations. It is considered one of the most “walkable” communities in Kentucky.  Matthews is also home to many ethnic Germans (28.5%), Irish (18.2%), and English (14.8%). Half of the people living here work in executive, management and professional occupations, but nearly a third work in fast food.  Average commutes range from 30 to 45 minutes, which is a little above average. Renters can expect to pay about $610/month, while homebuyers will find median real estate prices around $201,526, which is higher than the national average.

Attractions & Amenities: What To Do

Local parks include: Brown Park (28 acres of award-winning landscaping, wooded areas, walking trails and picnicking), Community Park (walking paths, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts), Arthur K. Draut Park (walking, jogging, water features), and Warwick Park (picnic area & walking paths).  The Bluegrass Brewing Company located on Shelbyville Road is the city’s oldest remaining brewpub, while eateries like Havana Rumba Cuban, Café Lou Lou and Plehn’s Bakery are Urbanspoon favorites. Schools fall under the Jefferson County School District moniker, and are considered 41.1 percent better than other Kentucky schools.