Race Relations and Public Policy in Louisville

Abstract

Louisville's racial legacy was shaped by Kentucky's strategic position as a border state during the Civil War and by the activities of Northern troops stationed there. Maintaining the allegiance of the border states was central to the success of Lincoln's presidency during the early years of the war (Howard, 1983). According to Lincoln's political calculations, the border states were dominoes, with Kentucky standing first in line. The state was deeply divided over the slavery question, and Lincoln reasoned that full emancipation might compel alignment with the Confederacy. Attempting to separate preservation of the Union from slavery, the president promoted gradual emancipation based on compensation and voluntary compliance (Howard, 1983). This policy temporarily appeased Kentucky slaveholders who. failed to recognize the ultimate need of the Lincoln administration to embrace an antislavery policy. The movement of large numbers of Northern troops into Kentucky, especially Louisville, during 1861 and 1862 was a watershed event signalling an abrupt end to slavery in the state.