Let’s Get to Know The Galt House Hotel, A New Partner with Pegasus Global
- Carey Fieldhouse
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Recently, Pegasus Global and The Galt House Hotel combined years of service industry excellence to provide public bourbon tours. The Galt House Hotel is a landmark and has not only a fantastic hotel and grounds but an interesting history as well.
About The Galt House Hotel
The Galt House Hotel combines almost two centuries of Louisville heritage with contemporary luxury, distinguishing itself as the city's exclusive waterfront accommodation and an enduring choice for guests who value tradition and elegance.
Located on the Ohio River, the Galt House Hotel provides scenic views of downtown Louisville. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool or riverfront rooms, offering a unique stay.
You can easily immerse yourself in the heart of Louisville’s cultural and entertainment scene with the Galt House Hotel’s unbeatable location—just steps from Fourth Street Live!, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and rich Kentucky Derby history. Enjoy seamless access to top venues via convenient skywalk connections.
The timeline...
MARCH 1835
The Galt House Opens
The first Galt House Hotel opened in 1835 on Second and Main Streets by Colonel Ariss Throckmorton. The site had once been the home of Dr. W.C. Galt, noted physician and botanist of his day, who was friends with such distinguished men as John James Audubon, who mentions Dr. Galt in his journals, and Dr. Ephraim McDowell.
SEPTEMBER 1862
USA Gen. WM. Nelson Assassinated
Civil War Union General William “Bull” Nelson, a native Kentuckian, made the Galt House Hotel his base of operations in 1862. Nelson and fellow General Jefferson C. Davis (not the Confederate President) quarreled over Davis’ efforts to organize and arm the citizens of Louisville to assist in their own defense, resulting in Nelson slapping Davis across the face. Feeling insulted by Nelson, at about 8:00 a.m. on September 29, 1862, Davis shot Nelson straight through the heart with a pistol he borrowed from a friend. By 8:30 a.m., General Nelson was dead. General Davis was confined to a room at the hotel without guard. Nelson was interred in Louisville’s Cave Hill Cemetery. Due to a shortage of experienced leaders in the Union Army, Davis returned to duty, and the matter was dropped.
JANUARY, 1865
Entirely In Ruins
According to the New York Times, on Wednesday, January 11, 1865, the Galt House Hotel started burning and was “entirely in ruins” by 3:30 a.m. A warehouse on the eastern side was also destroyed. Two lives were lost, and the origin of the fire has been a mystery ever since.
NOVEMBER, 1869
Henry Whitestone
The second Galt House Hotel was designed by architect Henry Whitestone at 1st and Main St, a block away from the original hotel. It cost $1.5 million (1869 dollars).
NOVEMBER, 1919
Broadway District
In the early 20th century, business and culture moved away from the riverfront to the Broadway district. As traffic on 1st and Main dwindled, so did hotel revenue, and the second Galt House Hotel closed in 1919. It was razed in 1921 to make way for the Belknap Hardware building.
NOVEMBER, 1972
Al J. Schneider
By the early 1970’s, Louisville’s Waterfront was had been all but abandoned. Local developer Mr. Al J. Schneider had a vision for a prosperous business district, starting with an expansive convention hotel right on the river. Mr. Schneider opened the Galt House Hotel – then only one tower – in 1972.
NOVEMBER, 1984
East Tower Open
In 1984, Mr. Al J. Schneider opened the East Tower, giving the hotel its distinctive two-tower structure. The East Tower consists predominantly of suites, providing guests even more space and comfort than ever before.
JUNE, 2004
Walkway
In 2004, the Galt House Hotel replaced a simple walkway between the two towers with the magnificent 3rd Floor Conservatory. This steel and glass enclosed lounge was modeled on the Crystal Palace build in the middle of Hyde Park, London in 1851 for the Great Exhibition. The Conservatory features Al J’s Lounge, name for founder Al J. Schneider, and Thelma’s Deli, named for Mr. Schneider’s wife. It also serves as a tribute to naturalist John James Audubon, friend of Dr. W.C. Galt.
APRIL, 2018
A Major Renovation Project
The Galt House Hotel undergoes a major renovation project, including the freshly furnished and decorated rooms, two modernized lobbies, updated meeting and social space, two refurbished restaurants and bars, and two entirely new ones.
See photos of these historical moments here.
Did you know that The Galt House Hotel is The Official Hotel Partner of Louisville Athletics?
The Galt House Hotel is proud to be the official hotel sponsor of the University of Louisville Athletics, one of the nation’s most storied athletic programs. The Cardinals boast nine national championships, 59 team conference titles in men’s and women’s sports, and hundreds of All-Americans. They feature special offers for University of Louisville fans, sponsors, and visitors.
Conclusion
If you are heading this way for a festival, special event, or a much needed vacation, consider The Gault House Hotel as part of your destination!
DID YOU KNOW?
Pegasus Tours offers both private and group bourbon tours! And they have special rates with The Galt House Hotel.
Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not represent any endorsement by Pegasus.
Pegasus is an Official Partner
Only Pegasus offers an unmatched blend of luxury and elegance in chauffeured & chartered services, personalized tours, and exclusive Kentucky Bourbon Trail's™ distillery experiences, all backed by 5-star reviews. We excel in providing top-tier transportation for distinguished events like Bourbon and Beyond, Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and Louder Than Life, ensuring a memorable journey every time.
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