Rails to Trails: Cedar Brook Bridge Repair Fundraiser

Our story is often told through the lens of W.H. McBrayer’s influence on Kentucky’s distilling industry, but the truth is, his legacy runs far deeper than that. You see, McBrayer was not only a Judge, a Kentucky State Senator and a world-renowned Bourbon distiller–he was a visionary, and a force within his community. 

As we continue to peel back some 180 years of history surrounding the McBrayer family legacy, we’re thrilled to share our next chapter: the revival of a historic viaduct bridge, as phase 2 of the Cedar Brook Rails to Trails project for the City of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

“The Judge” and the Railroad

Nestled along the same hallowed grounds where our story first took root, we discovered a piece of Kentucky history that must be preserved: A railroad bridge pioneered by W.H. McBrayer in the 1800s, that still stands today. 

Located on the very same grounds that McBrayer established his beloved Cedar Brook Distillery back in 1847, the railroad now serves as a reminder of “The Judge’s” trailblazing spirit of progress and innovation. You have to remember that in the 1800s, railroads were more than a mode of transport–they were a lifeline for community prosperity, creating a more interconnected society, and hope for the future. 

Pioneering Prosperity in Anderson County

It is said that “he worked for the railroad with boundless zeal as a strong prejudice existed against it, and many individuals opposed its construction. He canvassed the county from end to end, speaking in every district, donating the right of way through much land, and buying stock when confidence was at its lowest ebb. He was a director up to the time of his death, and the directorate were honorary pallbearers at his funeral. The Southern Road would run special draped trains from Louisville, Lexington, and Harrodsburg on this occasion.” Anderson News Supplement, June 1906. 

At a time when bringing a railroad to a small town like Lawrenceburg was met with much hesitation, McBrayer championed its creation–despite the resistance. Ever the visionary, he recognized the power of rail in connecting communities and fostering economic growth. His influence was so profound, the McBrayer Station was named for him.

Beyond advocating for the Southern Railroad that ran trains from Louisville, Lexington, and Harrodsburg, it’s believed that McBrayer even donated the land to bring the economic engine to life. The railroad ran for approximately 100 years. Today, the bridge and tracks have become unstable and are desperately in need of repair.

Revitalizing a Vital Piece of Kentucky History

Like a Bourbon biding its time, this immense structure has been patiently resting—waiting for the right moment to be tapped for greatness. In June of 2024, city and county officials celebrated the opening of the first phase of the Cedar Brook Rails to Trails project. Having secured $240,000 in grant money from the Lawrenceburg/Anderson County Tourism Commission, the city has restored a portion of the trail to provide locals and visitors alike the opportunity to traverse this path and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. 

The trail is approximately one mile long and goes through the middle of the future McBrayer Distillery property before stopping at the Cedar Brook Bridge. To complete the second phase of the project, the City of Lawrenceburg needs to raise $500,000 to repair the 110 ft. tall, 800 ft. long expanse of the bridge and connect the trail. 

Now, we’re on a mission to help them do just that. That’s why we’re inviting the Bourbon community, and anyone interested in preserving a vital piece of Kentucky history, to be a part of this legacy revival. 

Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future

Together, we have the opportunity to carry on W.H. McBrayer’s legacy of service and stewardship by helping raise critical funds to repair and restore the section of tracks once laid through the lands that brought prosperity and industry to the city. 

By helping to restore the bridge, we’re doing more than preserving a piece of history–we’re honoring McBrayer’s commitment to the progress and prosperity of Anderson County. Through this project, we aim to not only celebrate his contributions to the Kentucky Bourbon industry, but his impact on the local infrastructure that helped shape the community.

Walk in the Footsteps of Bourbon History

Our vision is to create a space where the next generation of Bourbon and history lovers can walk in the footsteps of one of Kentucky’s founding distillers–and experience the spirit of Anderson County firsthand. 

Once restored, the bridge will connect Cedar Brook Rails to Trails to the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery–one of the many distilleries that McBrayer’s influence touched through his partnership with T.B. Ripy. A McBrayer sign near the tracks also still stands, which you can see on your way into the Four Roses Distillery. 

We hope to also install interpretive signage along the trail that features facts about the railroad’s history, Cedar Brook Distillery, W.H. McBrayer and other influential Lawrenceburg figures. Eventually, there will be a loop around Lawrenceburg that connects the trail to the city. 

Be a Part of a Legacy Revival

In anticipation of our 2024 release of Cedar Brook Wheated Bourbon, which goes on sale this September during Bourbon Heritage Month, we have exciting news to share. 

For every bottle purchased online, McBrayer Legacy Spirits will donate a portion of the proceeds to the restoration of the bridge at Cedar Brook. Be sure to sign up for the Legacy Club to receive ordering information.  

• Help us reach our goal of raising $500,000 for the restoration of the Cedar Brook viaduct bridge by making a donation on GoFundMe. There’s no such thing as a donation that’s too small–every dollar raised can make an impact! 
• There are many ways to get involved that do not require donations. You can also help us get the word out simply by sharing our story!  
• Join us in honoring the legacy of W.H. McBrayer, a pioneer whose vision brought the railroad–and prosperity–to the city he so proudly called home. 

From grain to glass and now, Rails to Trails, our journey has never just been about the whiskey. It’s about honoring our past as we look to the future–and this project is a celebration of just that.