Russell, Louisville facts for kids
Russell is a neighborhood located just west of downtown Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. It is sometimes called "Louisville's Harlem." The neighborhood was named after Harvey Clarence Russell Sr., a well-known African American educator from Bloomfield, Kentucky. Russell's borders are West Market Street, 9th Street, West Broadway, and I-264.
Russell's History
How Russell Began
Development in Russell started in the 1870s. This happened as streetcar lines were extended into the area. In its early years, Russell was considered a very fashionable place in Louisville. Many wealthy white families built elegant mansion homes there. These homes were on streets like Walnut, Chestnut Street, and Jefferson Street. At the same time, working-class white and Black families lived in shotgun houses on nearby streets.
Changes Over Time
By the 1890s, many white families started moving out of the area. They moved to places like Old Louisville and the city's east end. Soon, many middle-class and working-class Black families moved into Russell.
By the 1940s, Russell became known as "Louisville's Harlem." This was because many African American theaters, restaurants, and nightclubs lined the streets. After World War II, many middle-class Black families moved again. They moved to newly integrated neighborhoods in the south and east parts of the city.
Modern Russell
In the 1960s, the city started "urban renewal" projects. This meant that many business areas in Russell were torn down. New public housing units were built instead. Russell is also home to a very important place. America's first public library that was open to African Americans is in Russell. This library, called the Western Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library, opened in 1908. It is located on 10th Street, just off Chestnut.
Russell's Population
As of the year 2000, Russell had a population of 9,060 people.
