
Lexington Trip 2022-05
May 26 - 29, 2022
Homeward Bound
U.S. Route 68
11:41 AM EDT, May 29, 2022
U.S. Route 68 takes us into and through downtown Lebanon, Kentucky. Located in central Kentucky, Lebanon was founded in 1814 and incorporated January 28, 1815. The town became the county seat of Marion County in 1835. At one time, the town was once considered for the site of the state capitol.
L&N Railroad built a branch through the town prior to the American Civil War. The town became a hotspot during the war as both the Confederate and Union armies fought for control of the railroad. Three battles were fought in and around Lebanon resulting in the railroad changing hands a few times between the two armies. One of those battles the Battle of Lebanon brought destruction to a number of buildings within the town. The Battle of Lebanon occured on July 5, 1863 as Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan's 2,460 troops fought for 6 hours against a small Union garrison of 350 to 400 men of the 20th Kentucky Infantry Regiment. The Union troops were hold up in the depot when Morgan ordered for nearby buildings to be set on fire to force a surrender from the Union commander. In the end, Union Lt. Col. Charles S. Hanson surrendered.
For about 15 years in the mid 20th Century, Lebanon became a entertainment hotspot as nationally known acts appeared at a number of nightclubs throughout the town. The Plantation, Club Cherry, Club 68, and the Golden Horseshoe nightclubs. These clubs hosted a number of famous acts such as Tina Turner, Nat King Cole, Jerry Lee Lewis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Steppenwolf, The Platters, the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jackie Wilson, The Supremes, Ray Charles, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, B.B. King, Percy Sledge, Bobby Blue Bland and Count Basie. After the day the music died, Lebanon is now Kentucky's best kept secret.
East Main Street at Spalding Avenue, Lebanon, Marion County, Kentucky.
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