Attractions in Lebanon-Marion County, Kentucky

The City of Lebanon, through the Kentucky Main Street Program, has completed several projects along main street including construction of new sidewalks, street lights, traffic signals and garbage receptacle. A courthouse square renovation is currently underway.

A noted attraction in Lebanon is the Lebanon Aquatic Center and is the centerpiece of Graham Memorial Park. The Aquatic Center is an enclosed pool for year round use where many programs are offered for young and old alike.

For the nature lover, try the Fagan Branch Reservoir/Cecil L. Gorley Trail. The 3.2 mile trail around the reservoir is a great environment for hiking, bird watching, nature studies, and physical fitness activities.

- Fagan Branch Reservoir -

For those interested in their genealogy, try the Marion County Public Library. There is a room dedicated for those interested in tracing their family lines, as well as wireless internet access for laptop users and computers for those who don't have internet access.

Loretto, in northwestern Marion County, is the home of world-famous Maker's Mark Distillery. Originally started as a gristmill by Charles Burks in the early 1800's, the Maker's Mark Distillery is the only continuously-operating distillery to be designated a National Historic Landmark. The formula for Maker's Mark bourbon was developed by T.W. Samuels, Sr., a sixth-generation distiller who purchased and restored the distillery in 1953. Samuels produced the first bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon in 1958, and decided to have each bottle sealed by hand-dipping it in red wax, making every bottle unique. Samuel's son, T.W. Samuels, Jr., continues in his father's footsteps, hand-crafting their award-winning bourbon in this quaint country distillery.

Now available at the Maker's Mark Gift Gallery, guests may purchase a Maker's Mark souvenir bottle and personally hand-dip that bottle in the distillery's signature red wax. Tours are offered Monday through Friday. Facilities include a visitor/reception house which features artifacts of old time distilling and quarthouse, the equivalent of the modern package store.

After the completion of the study "A Proud Heritage:, A History of Lebanon and Marion County during the Civil War", it is evident that Lebanon is truly the "Civil War City".

To call attention to the role Lebanon played in the Civil War and to inform visitors of that special role, members of the George H. Thomas Statue Committee proposes to erect a statue in honor of a prominent Civil War commander who called Lebanon home as he prepared for a major strategic battle of that war.

Major General George H. Thomas recognized Lebanon's strategic location early in the war and later distinguished himself as one of the prominent heroes of that conflict.

We have engaged the services of renowned artist, Rudy Ayoroa, to sculpt the statue. You will note Ayoroa's ability in the fine detail of the model he has provided us.

All contributors of $500 or more will have their name inscribed on a bronze plaque that will be part of the monument.

On Lebanon's southern limits is the National Cemetery, where many of the Union soldiers who fell in the battle of Perryville were laid to rest.

The cemetery is one of only two national cemeteries in Kentucky where military funerals are held. Also, it hosts a Memorial Day celebration each year.