The Kentucky Wagon Manufacturing Company was established in 1878 to manufacture horse-drawn carriages and wagons. They became the largest wagon manufacturer in North America, building the popular "Tennessee", "Kentucky" and "Old Hickory" wagons. They were located at 2601 S. 3rd St just south of the University of Louisville campus.
In 1914 the Hercules Motor Car Company of New Albany contracted with Kentucky Wagon to build bodies for their cars. Hercules went out of business in 1915, with its assets acquired by Kentucky Wagon. From 1916 until 1923 Kentucky Wagon designed and built the Dixie Flyer, the first automobile made in Louisville. The company also manufactured delivery trucks and the two-seat Dixie Firefly. The Firefly speedster of 1922 was the sportiest Dixie Flyer but unfortunately it was their last new model.
