Frankfort Kentucky
For a State Capital, Frankfort is a smallish town of less than 28,000
people. What it lacks in size, it makes up for with rich history, famous
landmarks, an array of architectural styles, and the natural beauty of
the Kentucky Blue Grass region. A Scenic overlook on Louisville Road
(US-60) offers a panoramic view of the town, and the State Capital not
to be missed. Centrally located, Frankfort lies 50 miles east of
Louisville, and 25 miles west of Lexington.
Tours of Frankfort’s historic mansions, and seemingly endless list of
museums best begins at the Kentucky History Center. It is a walk through
time as the history of Kentucky is laid out in chronological order. The
Keeneland Changing Exhibit offers a revolving menu of Kentucky history
displays. The center also a top shelf research and genealogy and
research library. The Kentucky State Capital is one of the nations most
impressive with 70 ionic columns, beautiful murals, and busts of
Kentucky dignitaries. The Kentucky Military History Museum offers a look
at look at Kentucky Militia, Volunteers, and State Guard and their
weaponry from the Revolutionary War to Operation Desert Storm. The old
State Capital Building which formerly housed Kentucky’s House and
Senate, and is the site where Governor William Goebel was assassinated,
the only U.S. Serving Governor to be assassinated while in office. Other
Buildings of note in Frankfort are The Orlando Brown House, designed by
Kentucky’s most famous Architect Gideon Shyrock. All of these building
can be toured in with a one price, all inclusive pass. Other buildings
of note are a Frank Lloyd Wright designed Zeigler House, The Governor’s
Mansion, The Lt. Governor’s Mansion, the Berry-Hill mansion, and the
Liberty Hill Historic site.
Frankfort has more to see than just architecture however. Most
impressive, from an engineering standpoint is the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial on Coffee Tree Road. A giant sundial of sorts, the names of
Kentuckians who made the ultimate sacrifice are positioned in such a way
that on the anniversary of their deaths the shadow of the Sundial
touches each of their names.
Frankfort has a little something for all of the many tourist however. If
you are not an architecture fan, Daniel Boone’s grave site draws a lot
of visitor’s. And for the more macabre tourist there is the Murder and
Mayhem walking tour that spans the four block area of downtown where
fifty murders were committed over 100 years, led by two men attired in
circa 1930's police uniforms.
Other must see spots in and around Frankfort are the historic Buffalo
Trace Distillery, a maker of quality Bourbon, and the historic
Rebecca-Ruth Candy Co., The inventors, and perfecters of the Bourbon
Ball, which despite the name, is a confectionary treat for adults and
children alike.
Author Ron Stemple
Copyright 2006, Ron Dowell |
