City of Audubon Park
Audubon Park, Jefferson County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
City of Audubon Park. The city was built on land granted to Col. William Preston in 1773 for service in French and Indian War. Its residential development (1912-45) proceeded from Audubon Country Club's incorporation, 1908. Credit is given to James L. Smyser of Audubon Realty Co. as "Father of Audubon Park" for his vision and promotion of this area. Presented by City of Audubon Park. (Reverse) A Natural Garden Spot - To give Audubon Park the best features of both country and city life, N. Y. developer Clifford B. Harmon was hired. Naming of the park after naturalist John James Audubon reflected Back-to-Nature Movement in land use of early 20th century. Its shaded streets with planned green spaces, fresh air, and high ground made the park a place of permanent recreation.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
The city grew on land granted to Col. William Preston in 1773 for service in the French and Indian War, one of the Virginia military grants that opened Kentucky to settlement. Its residential development unfolded between 1912 and 1945, spurred by the Audubon Country Club and promoted by James L. Smyser, remembered as the "Father of Audubon Park." A New York developer shaped its shaded, planned streets, and its name honoring naturalist John James Audubon reflected the era's Back-to-Nature movement.
Why it matters
Audubon Park embodies the early-20th-century ideal of the garden suburb, an attempt to blend country air and city convenience that reshaped how Americans imagined home.
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Related people
- ¡ William Preston
- ¡ James L. Smyser
- ¡ John James Audubon
Themes & tags
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