There are other industries that need to be mentioned as they,
perhaps not as large operations as the others, have added to the
development and history of the county. These have been established
at various times. Some are still in existence, others have long
disappeared, and still others were not established until later
in the county's history.
The first of these to consider is the production of whiskey. At
first there were no large plants, just small operations where
a man made enough for himself or he made a few barrels for sale.
As time passed the operations were consolidated or purchased by
larger outfits until the names mostly associated with the county
today are Beam and Schenley. Coincidentally the county saw more
stringent regulation of the production "White Mule"
as moonshine was called locally. Beam boasts of making whiskey
since 1795 although it has not always been at the Clermont location.
The production of whiskey today is beneficial to the county in
the fact that many Bullitt Countians are employed as well as the
county receiving revenue from the various taxes placed upon it.
Next to consider would be the L. & N. Railroad. It was constructed
through the county in 1852. The Lebanon branch was constructed
in 1858 and the Bardstown branch later on. Like the whiskey industry,
the county benefits from the railroad through jobs and taxes.
Smaller industries, but nevertheless important were the tanneries,
grist mills, flour mills, and saw mills.
Tanneries were located at Mount Washington, Shepherdsville, Pitts
Point and in various locations throughout the county. Many were
employed in cutting the tanbark, hauling it to the tanneries and
the actual process of tanning the leather.
Grist and flour mills were located mostly on stream banks so that
the force of the water could be harnessed and used for power.
The largest flour mill in the county was constructed in Pitts
Point. It was built in1859 and was four stories high.
Saw mills are still operated in some areas of the county. At one
time they were a considerable business with some of the mills
even operating on boats that went up and down Salt River. Some
of the roads in the county today bear the name of a mill that
was located on the road- Bell's Mill Road, for example.
In 1929 Issac W. Bernheim extablished what today is called Bernheim
Forest. There are 14,000 acres in total area with 10,000 being
in what the public knows as the Forest. This is a beautiful and
educational facility that is a great benefit to the county in
this age of environmental awareness.