Kentucky History & Haunts

Jessie Bartholomew
  • 4.9 (91)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

History, true crime & bizarre happenings in the bluegrass state. Kentucky is a treasure trove of unique people, events, and places dating as far back as the mastodon! You don't have to be from Kentucky to appreciate these stories. Subscribe today and share with a friend. Please email topic suggestions to kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com. Visit the website to browse our merch at kyhistoryhaunts.com. And please leave a review or rating wherever you're enjoying the show. Thanks for listening.

  1. 157. Was Governor Desha's Son A Serial Killer?

    OCT 29

    157. Was Governor Desha's Son A Serial Killer?

    What happens when a newly elected Governor of Kentucky finds his political career consumed by corruption scandals, a burning state capitol…and his son’s sensational murder trials? In this episode, we dive into the dramatic rise and infamous downfall of Governor Joseph Desha — and his son Isaac, who may have been one of Kentucky's first serial killers. We begin with Joseph’s early life as a frontier soldier turned influential political powerhouse. He championed national expansion and state infrastructure — while waging a bitter political battle to reshape Kentucky’s judiciary. Just months into his term as governor, flames destroyed the state capitol, public trust collapsed, and an even darker scandal erupted. Joseph’s son Isaac was accused of brutally murdering a traveling attorney named Francis Baker — a case filled with shocking evidence, political interference, and multiple controversial retrials. And the story didn’t end there… When Isaac fled Kentucky under an alias, another man wound up dead thousands of miles away — leading newspapers to brand him a monster and fueling rumors that stretched all the way to Hawaii. This episode includes discussion of violence and attempted suicide. Listener discretion advised. What You’ll Learn How Joseph Desha rose from frontier militia to Governor of Kentucky The political chaos of the “Old Court – New Court” controversy The mysterious 1824 fire that destroyed Kentucky’s state capitol The sensational murder trial(s) of Isaac Desha — and a governor’s abuse of power How a second suspicious death sealed Isaac’s reputation The truth behind the long-standing “Desha in Hawaii” conspiracy What became of the Desha family after the scandal Resources & References Primary newspaper accounts referenced include: Lexington Weekly Press Frankfort Argus The Olive Branch and Danville Advertiser Additional research includes state historical records and modern historical analysis. Connect With the Show Have thoughts on this story? Email: kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.comFollow KYHH on social media — If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share. It truly helps the show grow. Send Jessie mail: 9115 Leesgate Rd, Suite A Louisville, KY 40222

    42 min
  2. 156. History & Haunts of The Brown Theatre

    OCT 12

    156. History & Haunts of The Brown Theatre

    This episode explores the rich history and significance of the Brown Theater in Louisville, detailing its evolution from a premier theater to a movie house, its role in civil rights protests, and its modern-day significance as a community resource. The discussion also touches on ghost stories associated with the theater and the importance of the arts in society. Special thanks to Christian Adelberg and William Richards with Kentucky Performing Arts for taking the time to speak with me. Visit www.kentuckyperformingarts.org to check out upcoming shows at all three venues. Follow KYHH on social media for episode-related content: https://www.instagram.com/kyhistoryhaunts/ https://www.facebook.com/kyhistoryhaunts Email kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com for corrections & suggestions Some additional resources related to this episode: ⁠https://www.filsonhistorical.org/archive/news_v6n4_theater.html⁠ ⁠https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/232566705.pdf⁠ ⁠https://ket.org/program/living-the-story-the-rest-of-the-story/raoul-cunningham-892/⁠⁠https://youtu.be/Q9IZcywXtJg⁠

    48 min
  3. 155. Unsolved Murder of Prestonsburg Mayor George Archer- Pt. 2

    SEP 30

    155. Unsolved Murder of Prestonsburg Mayor George Archer- Pt. 2

    Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of a murder scene and a suicide. Please use care deciding when or whether to listen. We pick up moments after Mayor Dr. George P. Archer is found shot beside his car outside his clinic in Prestonsburg, KY (July 12, 1973). A witness reports a beige-on-green Buick LeSabre fleeing the scene—similar to the car driven by Judith Archer, the city clerk and executive director of the Housing Authority, married to Archer’s cousin William “Bill Tom” Archer. As rumors snowball (including an alleged affair), timelines shift, pressure mounts, and within eight days Judith dies by suicide—before any arrest is made. A grand jury later calls dozens of witnesses but issues no indictments, and the case cools. Fifty-plus years on, questions about conflicts of interest, missing records, and political entanglements still shadow Prestonsburg. Connect & Contribute Have information, corrections, or family stories about this case? Email: kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com Instagram: @kyhistoryhaunts Facebook: Kentucky History & Haunts If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). Send Jessie a note: 9115 Leesgate Rd Suite A Louisville, KY 40222

    21 min
  4. 154. Unsolved Murder of Prestonsburg Mayor George Archer- Pt. 1

    SEP 29

    154. Unsolved Murder of Prestonsburg Mayor George Archer- Pt. 1

    Content Warning: This episode discusses a murder scene in detail as well as a suicide. Please use care deciding when or whether to listen. In this episode of Kentucky History & Haunts, we travel back to 1970s Floyd County to uncover the high-profile—but surprisingly underreported—murder of Prestonsburg Mayor Dr. George P. Archer. Born into a prominent Eastern Kentucky family of doctors and civic leaders, Archer carried on a legacy of medicine, public service, and political influence. From expanding healthcare access in rural communities to transforming Prestonsburg’s infrastructure and serving as mayor, Archer’s career was full of ambition and impact. But his story came to a shocking and violent end on the night of July 12, 1973, when he was gunned down outside his medical clinic. The crime, committed in a well-lit, public space across from a drive-in theatre, stunned the small community. Despite early leads—including a suspiciously similar revolver attack on Archer’s home earlier that year, eyewitness accounts of a fleeing Buick LeSabre, and questions directed toward those close to him—the case was never solved. Along the way, we’ll also trace Archer’s deep ties to Prestonsburg’s most powerful families, his clashes with the United Mine Workers Association, his role in reshaping healthcare access in Eastern Kentucky, and the political pressures of leading a coal town during a time of economic and social change. This is the story of a man who seemed untouchable—until he wasn’t. Southern Bell Data Phone Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsqHBzW6gS0&t=1s To reach Jessie, email kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com Send a postcard to: Jessie Bartholomew 9115 Leesgate Rd, Suite A Louisville, KY 40222

    31 min
  5. 153. A Kidnapped Husband & A Family of Bootleggers

    AUG 26

    153. A Kidnapped Husband & A Family of Bootleggers

    In this episode of Kentucky History & Haunts, we head back to August 1925—a month of sensational scandals and small-town crime sprees that made big headlines. First, you’ll hear the wild tale of Lucy Wagner McMills, a young woman accused of kidnapping her husband and tricking him into marriage after a whirlwind romance. Newspapers from Kentucky to New York branded her a “Modern Cavewoman,” while her groom swore he’d been too drunk to know he was saying “I do.” Then, we dive into the chaotic, decades-long saga of the Alford family of Winchester, known as “the Bootleg Syndicate” during Prohibition. From barn raids to shootouts, jailbreaks to safe-cracking, the Alfords’ rap sheets stretched across generations. George Alford was dubbed the Bootleg King of the Bluegrass, while his children—including Virgil, Tommy, and Woodrow—made headlines for everything from moonshining to armed robbery. This episode has it all: star-crossed lovers, outlaw families, jailbreaks, scandals, and tragedy. 📬 Got a spooky Kentucky story suggestion for the upcoming Halloween season? Email kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com or send a message on social media. 🔎 Want me to research the history of your property? I’d love to dig into it! Reach out anytime. 👉 Don’t forget to follow the show on Instagram and Facebook, leave a rating or review on your podcast app, or send a postcard/book to my mailing address: 9115 Leesgate Rd Suite A Louisville, KY 40222

    27 min

  6. JUL 31

    152. A Brief History of Nudist Colonies in Kentucky & Indiana

    In this offbeat episode, we take a break from heavy historical biographies and dive into something a little lighter. What started as a routine property history search for a Louisville listing led me down a rabbit hole of vintage newspaper clippings, culminating in an unexpected and fascinating journey through the early nudist (or naturist) movement in Kentucky and Indiana. You’ll hear the bizarre headline that sparked it all—“Bee Intrudes as 2 Louisvillians Enter Ranks of Nudist Royalty”—and meet the surprisingly compelling couple at the heart of it. We cover the founding of Zoro Nature Camp in Indiana in the 1930s, its battles against public scandal and legal scrutiny, and how it became a hub for naturist conventions and moral high ground. We follow the story of Bernard and Dorothy Harding, a deaf couple from Louisville who lived fascinating lives full of hardship, resilience, and—briefly—nudist royalty. Plus, we explore how lawmakers in Kentucky reacted to the idea of nudist colonies with 20-foot wall requirements, licensing fees, and statewide panic. This episode has it all: 🔍 Historical deep dives📜 Archival weirdness👑 A nude coronation⚖️ Oddball legal history🧡 And a love story that’s almost too strange to be true. Quotes to Remember: 🗞️ “We are unashamed of our bodies. It will take more than court orders and cold weather to stop us from leading our lives as we wish.” 👑 “A bee intruded itself upon the coronation scene… the ceremony was quickly finished.” 📜 “If a man wants to get off in the woods and gambol about in the nude, he ought to have that right.” – Rep. Henry Ward Further Reading / Links: Kentucky Nudism Laws: https://naturistaction.org/laws/kentucky-laws/ Support the Show: 🧡 Leave a review wherever you listen📲 Follow on social media📬 Send mail to 9115 Leesgate Rd, Suite A, Louisville KY 40222✉️ Corrections/feedback/topic suggestions: kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com Thanks for tuning in—and until next time, keep your curiosity uncovered.

    37 min
  7. 151. Brigadier General Charles Young

    JUL 15

    151. Brigadier General Charles Young

    In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Brigadier General Charles Young — a man born into slavery in Mays Lick, Kentucky, during the Civil War who went on to break barriers across the U.S. military and beyond. Despite facing relentless racism, repeated demotions, and exclusion due to his race, Young became a pioneer and trailblazer, achieving numerous historic firsts as a Black officer in the U.S. Army. You'll learn about Young's journey from his family’s escape to freedom in Ripley, Ohio, through his tough years at West Point, his service with the Buffalo Soldiers, and his role as the first Black superintendent of a National Park (Sequoia & General Grant). We also learn about his friendships with figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, and his diplomatic posts in Haiti and Liberia. This episode touches on Young’s incredible resilience, the legacy he left through public service, education, and advocacy, and his long-overdue posthumous promotion to Brigadier General in 2021. *The transcript for this show is auto generated using AI. Robots make mistakes too y'all! Connect with the show on social media- Facebook: Kentucky History & Haunts Facebook Group: Kentucky History & Haunts & More Instagram @kyhistoryhaunts Emails with comments, corrections, etc. can be sent to kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com Mail can be sent to Jessie Bartholomew 9115 Leesgate Rd Suite A Louisville, KY 40222 This episode is written, recorded, edited and marketed by Jessie. To buy her a coffee for her work on the show, Venmo @kyhistoryhaunts https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=219094BE-2C76-4E63-85B3-8D8B46EFFFB5 https://brigadiergeneralcharlesyoungfoundation.org/timeline/

    31 min
  8. 150. Junius Booth & The Passenger Pigeon Funeral

    MAY 5

    150. Junius Booth & The Passenger Pigeon Funeral

    Episode 150 (hooray) explores the historical significance of the Passenger Pigeon, the life of Junius Booth, and the cultural impact of extinction. It delves into the tragic story of the Passenger Pigeon, once abundant in North America, and the role of hunting and habitat loss in its extinction. The discussion also highlights the life of Junius Booth, father of John Wilkes Booth, and his connection to the passenger pigeon, revealing the intertwining of history, theater, and wildlife conservation. Get a copy of My Thoughts Be Bloody: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/My-Thoughts-Be-Bloody/Nora-Titone/9781416586067 To leave Jessie a tip for her work on this episode, Venmo: @kyhistoryhaunts Send a postcard or chotchke to Jessie: Jessie Bartholomew 9115 Leesgate Rd Suite A Louisville, KY 40222 Send comments or conerns to kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com Follow the show on Instagram @kyhistoryhaunts or find the page on Facebook or the group Facebook History & Haunts & More for additional episode information and photos! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rating on Spotify. Also be sure to leave a comment with feedback if you're listening on Spotify. I love to hear from you all! *KYHH episode transcripts are auto-generated using AI and may contain errors

    33 min
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About

History, true crime & bizarre happenings in the bluegrass state. Kentucky is a treasure trove of unique people, events, and places dating as far back as the mastodon! You don't have to be from Kentucky to appreciate these stories. Subscribe today and share with a friend. Please email topic suggestions to kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.com. Visit the website to browse our merch at kyhistoryhaunts.com. And please leave a review or rating wherever you're enjoying the show. Thanks for listening.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessie Bartholomew
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    158
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 932457
  • Show Website
    Kentucky History & Haunts

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