A New Chapter for Taylorsville’s Civil War Legacy: Felix Grundy Stidger Cabin Restoration Begins

This Friday, October 3rd at noon, downtown Taylorsville will witness the beginning of something truly historic—the groundbreaking for the restoration of the Felix Grundy Stidger Cabin. For years, locals have passed by what many called “that random pile of logs,” curious but unaware of the deep Civil War history embedded in those timbers. Now, the mystery is being replaced with meaning.

Felix Grundy Stidger, a Union spy whose daring work helped dismantle Confederate secret societies, played a pivotal role in the complex drama of the Civil War. His cabin, right in the heart of Taylorsville, is about to become a living monument to that legacy.

This restoration isn’t just about preserving a structure—it’s about reclaiming a story. Civil War enthusiasts will soon have a new must-visit destination, one that offers a rare glimpse into the covert operations and local contributions that shaped the war’s outcome. The cabin will serve as an educational resource, a tourism draw, and a point of pride for Spencer County.

The buzz around town has already started to shift. What was once a question—“What is that pile of logs?”—is becoming a conversation about heritage, history, and the hidden heroes of Taylorsville. Come Friday, the community will begin to uncover the real story behind Felix Grundy Stidger and the role this small Kentucky town played in one of America’s most defining conflicts.

Stay tuned as the restoration unfolds—and prepare to see Taylorsville through a whole new lens.

Learn more about the Foundation doing all this marvelous work and become a Friend of Felix!

Address:
3069 Plum Ridge Rd
Taylorsville, KY 40071

Hours:
  Monday: Closed to the public
   Tuesday: 10am – 3pm EST
   Wednesday:  10am – 3pm EST
   Thursday:  10am – 3pm EST
   Friday:  10am – 3pm EST
   Saturday: Closed
   Sunday: Closed

Alternate times are available by appointment!
(800) 447-7008
Phone Hours: 9am – 5pm EST
Monday – Friday

In the heart of Spencer County, Kentucky, The Basket Barn stands as a warm and welcoming destination for lovers of traditional crafts. Home to Basket Maker’s Supply, this unique retail location is a celebration of heritage, artistry, and community.

A Legacy Rooted in Family and Craft

The journey began with Ardia Herndon, a local artisan who taught basket weaving from her home for over three decades. Her granddaughter, Danielle Suzette “Dani Sue” Anderson, inherited that passion and now leads the business with a deep respect for tradition and a vision for the future.

In 2024, Dani Sue relocated Basket Maker’s Supply to her family farm in Elk Creek, transforming an old dairy barn into what is now known as The Basket Barn. Located just across the road from where her grandmother once taught, the barn is a tribute to generations of basket makers and a hub for creativity.

What You’ll Find at The Basket Barn

Open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM (and by appointment), The Basket Barn offers:

• A wide range of basket weaving supplies and tools
• Handmade handles and chair seating materials
• Classes and open weave sessions for hands-on learning
• A welcoming space for both beginners and experienced crafters

Whether you’re shopping for supplies or looking to learn a new skill, The Basket Barn offers a unique experience rooted in craftsmanship and community.

A Small Business with a Big Reach

Though based in Spencer County, Basket Maker’s Supply serves customers across the country and around the world. The business is proudly woman-owned and deeply supported by the local community. Dani Sue and her team work full-time to fulfill orders, teach classes, and share the joy of weaving with people of all ages.

A Message from Dani Sue

“From the moment I made my first basket at the age of 6, sitting criss-cross applesauce in the middle of my Granny’s kitchen table, I have loved this amazing craft we share! I couldn’t be more excited to carry on the tradition together from right here in my hometown of Spencer County.”

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a seasoned basket maker or simply curious about traditional crafts, The Basket Barn is a must-visit destination in Spencer County. It’s a place where stories are woven, traditions are honored, and creativity thrives.

Visit Basket Maker’s Supply online at BasketMakersSupply.com and explore more about classes and these unique creations.

visittaylorsville.com/digital-history

Taylorsville-Spencer County Tourism is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our community’s journey to honor and celebrate our rich history. We are proud to share that the Spencer County America250KY Committee is now an official member of the Kentucky America250 initiative. This exciting development marks a new chapter in our efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Joining the America250KY Initiative

Being part of the America250KY initiative allows Spencer County to play an essential role in a statewide celebration of our nation’s founding. The initiative aims to engage communities across Kentucky in a shared reflection on our past, present, and future as we approach this milestone anniversary. By joining this initiative, we are committing to celebrating the diverse narratives that make up our county’s history and culture.

The Spencer County America250KY Committee will focus on creating programs and events that highlight our unique local heritage while contributing to the larger narrative of our nation’s history. This is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the stories and traditions that have shaped Spencer County and continue to define our community.

Introducing the Digital History Project

In conjunction with our involvement in the America250KY initiative, we are delighted to present the new and ongoing Digital History Project. This innovative project is designed to make Spencer County’s history more accessible and engaging for residents and visitors alike. By visiting visittaylorsville.com/digital-history, you can explore a wealth of historical resources, including photographs, documents, and personal stories that paint a vivid picture of our county’s past.

The Digital History Project is a dynamic and evolving resource, continuously updated with new content to ensure that our community’s rich history is preserved and shared with future generations. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a newcomer, or a visitor, this project provides an opportunity to delve into the fascinating stories that have shaped Spencer County.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the 250th anniversary of the United States, Taylorsville-Spencer County Tourism is committed to fostering a deeper appreciation of our local history and its place in the broader American story. We invite everyone to join us in this celebration by exploring our Digital History Project and participating in upcoming events as part of the America250KY initiative.

Together, we can ensure that the vibrant history of Spencer County continues to inspire and inform. Stay tuned for more updates and events as we embark on this exciting journey to honor our past and envision our future.

A Forgotten Landmark with a Lasting Legacy

Tucked into the rolling hills and river bends of Spencer County, Kentucky, the Van Dycke Mill once stood as a vital part of Taylorsville’s agricultural heartbeat.

Just imagine…

Nestled in a lush, green valley, the historic Van Dycke Mill stands proudly with its weathered wooden exterior, the "Van Dycke Mill" sign weathered but legible above the entrance. A large waterwheel turns steadily, powered by a clear stream that cascades over a small stone bridge, its gentle splash echoing through the serene landscape. Rolling hills stretch into the distance, framed by dense trees, while a wooden fence encloses the scene, dotted with barrels and a horse-drawn cart waiting patiently nearby. Farmers and women, their barrels and grain bags in tow, gather in small groups, socializing and sharing laughter as they await their turn to have their grain milled. Bathed in soft, warm sunlight, the mill exudes a timeless charm, whispering stories of a bygone era.

Though the mill itself has vanished from the landscape, its name and legacy continue to echo through local lore and geography.

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🕰️ A Glimpse into the Past

Established in the 19th century, the Van Dyke Mill—sometimes spelled Van Dycke—likely served as a grist mill, grinding grain for local farmers in a region deeply rooted in agriculture. Mills like this were essential to rural communities, acting as both economic engines and social gathering points.

Today, the mill’s memory lives on in Van Dyke Mill Road, a quiet rural lane that hints at the site’s former importance. Though the famous drawings of the mill live on, we wanted to reimagine what it may have looked like in its prime. We took the liberty of asking AI what the mill might have looked like and had some fun with the results…

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🔍 So What Happened to the Mill?

The exact fate of the Van Dyke Mill remains a mystery. The home of the Van Dyke family remains but how could such an important piece of history just disappear? Like many early mills, it may have succumbed to:

• Technological changes in milling
• Shifting trade routes and transportation patterns
• Recurring floods, which plagued the area until the construction of a flood wall in 1948

No physical structure remains, and few records detail its closure—making it a tantalizing subject for local historians and curious visitors alike. Rumor has it that its fabled mill-stone lives at another historic property in Spencer County.

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🗂️ Preserving the Past

Fortunately, the story doesn’t end there. The Filson Historical Society has cataloged the Van Dyke Mill in its digital archives, offering a potential treasure trove of photographs, maps, and documents for those eager to learn more.

🔗 Explore the Filson Historical Society’s entry on Van Dyke Mill

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🧭 Why It Matters

The Van Dyke Mill is more than a lost building—it’s a symbol of the county’s resilience and rural heritage. Preserving its story helps us understand the rhythms of life in 19th-century Kentucky and the forces that shaped small-town America.

Keep in touch for more history!

Beneath the tranquil surface of Taylorsville Lake lies the ghost of a once-thriving Kentucky
community—Van Buren, a small unincorporated town that now lives on only in memory, history books,
and the ripples of the Salt River.

A Town with Deep Roots
Located about 15 miles from Taylorsville, Van Buren was a quiet rural town with homes, a general
store, and a Church of Christ that served as the heart of the community. Though small, it was a place
where families farmed, worshipped, and gathered for generations.

The Flood That Changed Everything
In 1974, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction on what would become Taylorsville
Lake, a man-made reservoir designed for flood control, water supply, and recreation. As part of the
project, the entire town of Van Buren was dismantled and relocated to higher ground.
– Homes and the general store were moved.
– The Church of Christ, however, became stuck on a muddy hill and was ultimately abandoned.
– Graves from the town cemetery were respectfully relocated to Valley Cemetery on Mt. Washington
Road.
By 1983, the dam was completed, and the Salt River was flooded—submerging Van Buren forever
beneath the lake’s 3,050 acres of water.

Echoes of the Past
Though the town is gone, its legacy lives on. Some of the relocated families still reside in Spencer
County, and stories of Van Buren are passed down through generations. The lake itself has become a
vital part of the local economy, drawing anglers, boaters, and nature lovers from across the region.

A Tribute in Timber: Van Buren Village
Just a few miles away in Anderson County, a private historic site called Van Buren Village pays tribute
to Kentucky’s rural past. Created by Dr. Jerry Phelps, this recreated 1850s village features:
– Authentic log cabins rescued from across the state
– A country store and apothecary filled with period items
– A vision of what life in Van Buren might have looked like before the flood
Though not open to the public, Van Buren Village stands as a quiet homage to the lives once lived
along the Salt River.
WEKU Feature on Van Buren Village: https://www.weku.org/off-the-beaten-path-with-sam-dick/2022-1
0-27/van-buren-village-anderson-county-log-cabins-hidden-from-public-view-document-kentuckys-history
Remembering Van Buren in Images
Though the town of Van Buren now rests beneath Taylorsville Lake, its memory lives on through
photos, reconstructions, and digital archives:
– Vintage Photos of Van Buren
– Van Buren Village (Recreated 1850s Settlement)
– Taylorsville Lake History
See images of the lost town of Van Buren:
Pinterest Collection: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/366973069611607470/
TaylorsvilleCottage.com – Lake History: https://www.taylorsvillecottage.com/taylorsville-lake-kentucky.html

Whether you are looking for a beautiful wedding location or a place to worship while you are visiting us, Spencer County’s church communities are waiting to welcome you (and probably feed you doughnuts & coffee.) Find your favorite historic church or jump in with contemporary worship. We have what you need!

Spencer County Churches

All Saints Catholic Church
📍 Taylorsville, KY
🌐 http://allsaintstville.org

Bethlehem Baptist Church
📍 1286 Briar Ridge Road, Mt. Eden
🌐 bbcspencer.org

Briar Ridge Christian Church
📍 Spencer County, KY
🌐 briarridgechristianchurch.com

Church of God of Prophecy
📍 Taylorsville, KY

Elk Creek Baptist Church
📍 5734 Elk Creek Road
🌐 elkcreekbaptist.com

Elk Creek Missionary Baptist Church
📍 5280 Elk Creek Road

First Assembly of God
📍 Taylorsville, KY

First Baptist Church of Taylorsville
📍 115 W Main Street
🌐 taylorsvillefbc.com

First Christian Church
📍 Taylorsville, KY

House of Prayer Apostolic Church
📍 Taylorsville, KY

Kings Baptist Church
📍 989 Kings Church Road
🌐 kingsbaptist.net

Lighthouse Baptist Church
📍 88 Miller Road
🌐 lighthousetaylorsville.com

Lighthouse Worship Center
📍 Taylorsville, KY
🌐 lwctaylorsville.com

Little Mount Baptist Church
📍 6129 Little Mount Road
🌐 littlemountbaptist.org

Little Union Baptist Church
📍 Spencer County, KY

Mt. Eden Christian Church
📍 Mt. Eden, KY
🌐 mtedencc.com

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
📍 Spencer County, KY

Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Campbranch
📍 Spencer County, KY

New Hope Tabernacle
📍 Spencer County, KY

Pleasant Hill Christian Church
📍 Spencer County, KY

Plum Creek Baptist Church
📍 Taylorsville, KY
🌐 plumcreekbaptist.com

Redemption Hill Baptist Church
📍 Taylorsville, KY
🌐 redemptionhillbc.org

Ridgeview Baptist Church
📍 Spencer County, KY

Risen Lord Lutheran Church
📍 Taylorsville, KY
🌐 risenlordchurch.com

River View Baptist Church
📍 Spencer County, KY

The Old Country Church / OCC Ministries (Full Gospel)
📍 Spencer County, KY

We’ll be there with doughnuts and coffee to welcome you to your home away from home!
Cheers!