Adam Shepherd and Shepherdsville
Except for the saltworks at Bullitt's Lick which was, at that time, called Saltsburg, Shepherdsville is the oldest town in Bullitt County.
Its closeness to the saltworks and the river ford at the falls of the Salt River made it an ideal location for a town. In 1793 Adam Shepherd laid out the streets and alleys of the new town on the north bank or Salt River. It was a part of 900 acres which he owned north of the river.
When the county was created in 1796, Shepherdsville was chosen as the county seat.
Adam Shepherd came to this part of Kentucky from Baltimore, Maryland. He was here as early as 1780 looking after his father's interests. Adam surveyed much of this area and was granted portions as payment for his services.
On April 20, 1784, Adam married Rachel Drake of Lincoln County, Kentucky. He was a prosperous business man, and he erected a mill and a store at or near Shepherdsville. Also, he engaged in the manufacture of salt. In Tennessee he owned an iron works and in New Orleans, a commission house. Politics were also in his blood. He served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1799 through 1802.
Mr. Shepherd died in 1819 and was buried on a knoll a short distance from Shepherdsville.
In 1800 Shepherdsville had a population of 96.
The first county court house was erected by Henry Crist in 1804 in the square at the present intersection of Second Street and Buckman Street. The building was 28 feet by 26 feet by 32 feet high. The walls were laid on heavy stone foundations sunk three feet below the surface and were made of fire brick 22 inches thick. On top was a cupola and belfry. The bell was cast in Philadelphia. The total cost was $3,150.