KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

KYHistorical Society

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"Father of Kentucky Historical Society Highway Marker Program"
(Marker Number: 1420)

County: Franklin
Location: Old State Capitol, Broadway, Frankfort

Description: Still dynamic after a full career of diversified public service, W. A. Wentworth directed rapid expansion of Kentucky Historical Highway Marker Program as Chairman, 1962 until his death, 1971. Born New Hampshire, 1888. Public Relations executive with Borden Co., N.Y., for 27 years. President General, Natl. Society Sons of the American Revolution.

(Reverse) "Father of Kentucky Historical Society Highway Marker Program" - In 1962, eighty percent of the few markers in Kentucky were located in the Bluegrass area. Under W. A. Wentworth's leadership, markers were erected in every county with more than 1100 in the state. Affection for his "adopted state" was displayed by dedication to this program. These historical markers will remain a monument to his scholarship and integrity.

(Subjects: Kentucky Historical Society)

"Glen Willis"
(Marker Number: 1444)

County: Franklin
Location: Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort

Description: Willis A. Lee, Jr., built a double two-story log house here in 1793. Tract of land on which the house stood was given to Lee by his uncle, Hancock Lee, founder of Leestown, the first settlement in Franklin County. In 1815 Lee erected a story and a half brick house, "Glen Willis," on same site and resided there until his death in 1824. See over.

(Reverse) "Glen Willis" - In 1832 the Lee family sold "Glen Willis" to Humphrey Marshall, officer in Revolution, lawyer, extensive landowner, legislator, Federalist leader. In 1809 he fought a duel with Henry Clay over political differences. Marshall wrote one of the earliest histories of Kentucky. Died in 1841. House then bought and enlarged by Henry H. Murray. See over.

(Subjects: Clay, Henry | Revolutionary War)

A Civil War Reprisal
(Marker Number: 504)

County: Franklin
Location: New Capitol Grounds, Frankfort

Description: Near here on Nov. 2, 1864 four innocent Confederate prisoners were executed in reprisal for the murder of Union supporter, Robert Graham of Peaks Mill, Franklin Co. All Kentuckians: Elijah Horton of Carter, Thomas Hunt and John Long of Mason, Thornton Lafferty of Pendleton counties. Hunt's body reburied at Maysville, others in the Frankfort Cemetery.

(Subjects: Civil War)

Amos Kendall (1789-1869)
(Marker Number: 1799)

County: Franklin
Location: 413 West Broadway, Frankfort

Description: This noted journalist-politician lived here. A Massachusetts native, he migrated to Kentucky in 1814 and spent one year with the family of Henry Clay as tutor. From 1816-28, Kendall resided in Frankfort as editor of the Argus of Western America. First a supporter of Henry Clay, he later promoted Andrew Jackson and helped carry Kentucky for him in 1828. See over.

(Reverse) Amos Kendall - Amos Kendall moved to Washington with Jackson administration, 1829. Joined group of close presidential advisors known as "Kitchen Cabinet" and served five years as postmaster general. He gained wealth as business agent for Samuel F. B. Morse, 1845-1869; his generous donations helped to found school for deaf and mute, later Gallaudet College in Washington, D. C. Over.

(Subjects: Clay, Henry | Jackson, Andrew | Journalists | Newspapers)

An Eminent Statesman
(Marker Number: 1154)

County: Franklin
Location: Main & Washington Sts., Frankfort

Description: John Jordan Crittenden, 1787-1863, lived here, 1819-1863. Legislator, 15th Kentucky Governor. Attorney General under three Presidents. Five times a U.S. Senator. Noted for Crittenden Compromise, 1860, futile effort to avert Civil War and preserve the Union. His last words: "Let all the ends thou aimest at be thy country's, thy God's and truth's." See over.

(Reverse) Crittenden House - This building, before west portion was added, was the home of John J. Crittenden, 1819 until death, 1863. Built in 1800 by Dr. Joseph Scott on land once owned by Aaron Burr. In May, 1837, Daniel Webster and family visited here. In Feb. 1849, President-elect Zachary Taylor was guest here on way to inauguration. Carriage step is from the first Kentucky state capitol. Over.

(Subjects: Burr, Aaron | Crittenden, John J. | Taylor, Zachary)

Bibb-Burnley House
(Marker Number: 1205)

County: Franklin
Location: Wapping St., Frankfort

Description: Site of first house lived in on street, 1786, by John Instone, who came here from England to build boats for Gen. Wilkinson. Wapping Street named by Instone for one of that name in London. John B. Bibb, Lt., War of 1812, represented Logan Co. in Ky. House, 1827-28, Senate, 1830-34. Bought property and built present house, 1845. He developed Bibb variety of lettuce here.

(Subjects: War of 1812)

Buena Vista
(Marker Number: 1999)

County: Franklin
Location: Site of Todd summer home, US 421, Frankfort

Description: One-half mile south is site of two-story frame house best known as the summer residence of Robert S. Todd (1791-1849), father of first lady Mary Todd Lincoln. The large family took refuge here from the heat and cholera of summertime in Lexington. As a child, Mary Todd Lincoln spent many summers here. Presented by Cliff and Joan Howard.

(Reverse) Todd House - Mary Todd Lincoln later brought her own sons on visits to her stepmother Elizabeth Humphreys. Sometimes the future president, Abraham Lincoln, was able to join them, traveling by rail to nearby Duckers Station. The house was razed in 1947. Only a remnant of stone spring house remains. Over. Presented by Todd and Lincoln Friends.

(Subjects: Buena Vista, Battle of | Cholera | Forts and Stations | Lincoln, Abraham | Lincoln, Mary Todd)

Captain Daniel Weisiger III
(Marker Number: 2299)

County: Franklin
Location: Main and Ann Streets, Frankfort

Description: CAPT. DANIEL WEISIGER III, 1763-1829- Early Frankfort merchant, farmer, county clerk, city trustee, first postmaster, and host of Weisiger House. 1st Master of Hiram Masonic Lodge. He married Lucy Price and fathered 10 children, including Dr. Joseph Weisiger, first white male born in Frankfort. Grandfather of 3 Civil War generals. (Reverse)

(Reverse) WEISIGER HOUSE, “at the Sign of the Golden Eagle”- Tunstall’s Tavern was enlarged to become Weisiger House, ca. 1790s. Social & political gathering place in Frankfort. On May 9, 1825, a grand ball was held to honor Gen. Lafayette. After Daniel’s death, Lucy managed inn & stage stop for over a decade. City bought it in 1852 & built Capital Hotel here.

(Subjects: Frankfort | Hotels | Inns | Lafayette, Marquis de | Stagecoach Stops)

Confederates Here
(Marker Number: 522)

County: Franklin
Location: Old Capitol Grounds, Frankfort

Description: The Kentucky State Government moved to Louisville before CSA entered Lexington Sept. 2, 1862. Confederate cavalry moved through Sept. 3 on way toward Louisville. Richard Hawes was inaugurated second Confederate Governor October 4. Generals Bragg and Kirby Smith with large CSA force were present. They withdrew and Union forces occupied Frankfort, Oct. 7, 1862.

(Subjects: Bragg, Braxton | Civil War | Kirby Smith, E. | Louisville)

Corner in Celebrities
(Marker Number: 123)

County: Franklin
Location: Wapping & Washington Sts., Frankfort

Description: Homes of Thomas S. Todd, John M. Harlan, George M. Bibb, John J. Crittenden, John Brown, James Brown, Thomas Metcalfe, Robert P. Letcher, George G. Vest, Benjamin G. Brown, James Harlan, Charles Slaughter Morehead, Thomas S. Crittenden, John C. Watson, Hugh Rodman.

(Subjects: Bibb, George M. | Crittenden, John J. | Frankfort)

Daniel Boone's Grave
(Marker Number: 113)

County: Franklin
Location: Frankfort Cemetery, E. Main St., Frankfort

Description: Born 1734, died 1820. Entered Eastern Kentucky, 1767; explored Bluegrass Region, 1769-71; guided Transylvania Company, blazed Wilderness Trail, built Fort Boonesborough in 1775; directed defense of the fort, 1778; emigrated to Missouri, 1799; reinterred, with wife Rebecca, in Frankfort Cemetery, 1845.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Boonesborough | Forts and Stations | Roads | Transylvania University | Wilderness Road)

Daniel Boone-Pioneer
(Marker Number: 576)

County: Franklin
Location: Frankfort Cem., E. Main St., Frankfort

Description: Born, Pa., 1734. Died, Mo., 1820. Married Rebecca Boone, 1756, N.C. First trip to Kentucky, 1767. Set up Fort Boonesborough, 1775, blazed Wilderness Trail and settled. Frontiersman, surveyor, settler, legislator and sheriff. Defender against Indians and British. His claim to 100,000 acres lost, 1784. Emigrated to Missouri in 1799. See other side.

(Reverse) Grave of Daniel Boone - In the cemetery stands a monument to Daniel and Rebecca Boone, done by a grateful Commonwealth in 1860. Their remains had been brought back from Missouri and reburied, on September 13, 1845. A tribute to that outstanding frontiersman and his wife, who pioneered in carving out a wilderness empire-now Kentucky. See other side. Presented by Rotary Club, District 671.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Boonesborough | Forts and Stations | Roads | Wilderness Road)

Early Congregation
(Marker Number: 1495)

County: Franklin
Location: 210 W. Clinton St., Frankfort

Description: The A.M.E. Church was established in Frankfort, 1839, by Negroes before days of emancipation. First structure built on Lewis Street. Building and ground given by Mrs. Triplett, a white lady, to her servants, Benjamin Dunmore and Benjamin Hunley. In 1881, Rev. D. S. Bentley gave the name "St. John" to the A.M.E. Church. Present church built in 1893.

(Subjects: African American)

Early South Frankfort
(Marker Number: 1707)

County: Franklin
Location: 507 W. Second St., Frankfort

Description: This site is part of 500-acre land grant (1782) to Rev. War soldier Geo. Campbell, who served with Geo. Rogers Clark. Property has been owned by noted persons including early legislators Otho Beatty, Wm. Murray and Baker Ewing; State Auditor Thomas Page; and lawyer philanthropist John Hanna. South Frankfort, a separate town 1810-50, included most of Campbell survey.

(Reverse) Early Families Here - Owners whose families lived in the original house here - J. W. Denny, State Attorney General; Thomas Loughborough and son Judge Preston Loughborough, Chief U. S. Postal Inspector; Sally S. Jouett, widow of Col. William R. Jouett; and Thomasine Jouett, granddaughter of Rev. war hero Jack Jouett. This Queen Anne house was built by John Meagher, 1889-90. Over.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Frankfort | Jouett, John "Jack" | Revolutionary War)

Emily Thomas Tubman House
(Marker Number: 2236)

County: Franklin
Location: Washington St., Frankfort

Description: Summer home of Emily Thomas Tubman, philanthropist and emancipator. Born in Va. in 1794, she was reared in Ky. as ward of Henry Clay. She married Ga. merchant Richard Tubman in 1818. A widow after 1836, she gave to many Ky.charities. When Frankfort 1st Christian Church burned in 1870, she donated $30,000 to build a new structure. Over.

(Reverse) After her husband’s death, Tubman asked Ga. legislature to free her slaves and let them live in Ga. When petition was denied she gave slaves a chance to move to Africa or remain with her. Of 144 slaves 69 chose Africa. A descendant of one of her slaves was president of Liberia in the 20th century. Tubman died in 1885. Over.

(Subjects: Christian Church | Clay, Henry | Frankfort | Slavery)

Emma Guy Cromwell (1865-1952)
(Marker Number: 2167)

County: Franklin
Location: 122 West State St., Frankfort

Description: The first woman in Kentucky elected to statewide office, Cromwell was elected sec. of state in 1923. She held many political positions during a long career. Chosen state librarian in 1896 by legislature; was elected treasurer in 1927. Served as dir. of state parks, dir. of archives & state librarian.

(Reverse) A political pioneer, Cromwell encouraged women to follow her in “bla[ing] a trail for a new day for women when they can stand side by side with men in governing our great country.” She called Simpson, Allen, and Warren counties “home” but lived her adult life in Frankfort, where she died, July 19,1952.

(Subjects: Women)

First Baptist Church
(Marker Number: 1535)

County: Franklin
Location: 201 St. Clair St., Frankfort

Description: Second church in city; organized, February 25, 1816, with 13 members. Met in homes, then in House of Public Worship on southwest corner of Old Capitol square. An early pastor, Silas M. Noel, helped to establish Georgetown College. He was followed by the Rev. Porter Clay, brother of Henry Clay. First church was built on Lewis Street, 1827. It burned in 1867. Present site chosen, 1868.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Clay, Henry | Georgetown College | Schools)

First Baptist Church
(Marker Number: 1464)

County: Franklin
Location: 100 West Clinton St., Frankfort

Description: Organized in 1833, issuing from an integrated worship, this church was established by John Ward and Ziah Black. Ward donated first lot. Members worshipped in private homes before occupying the first structure. Construction for present church began, 1904. Distinguished religious, educational, and civic leaders have held membership here.

(Subjects: Baptist Church)

First Christian Church
(Marker Number: 1710)

County: Franklin
Location: 316 Ann St., Frankfort

Description: Organized December 2, 1832, by noted minister and educator Philip S. Fall, aided by John T. Johnson. Services held at various locations until 1842 when church erected on this site. Alexander Campbell preached here. Church burned, 1870; Emily T. Tubman gave money to erect second building. Part of it utilized in present edifice, completed, 1924. Presented by First Christian Church.

(Subjects: Campbell, Alexander | Christian Church)

First Methodist Church
(Marker Number: 1476)

County: Franklin
Location: 211 Washington St., Frankfort

Description: Organized by Rev. William Holman in 1821. First Methodist Conference in Kentucky, 1790, made Frankfort, then a frontier station, part of the Lexington Circuit. The first small church built on Ann Steet. Present site of church purchased, 1856; building completed, 1858. Bishops H. H. Kavanaugh and E. L. Tullis served as pastors of church. Presented by John B. Browning Memorial Class.

(Subjects: Methodist Church)

First Presbyterian Church
(Marker Number: 1540)

County: Franklin
Location: 416 West Main, Frankfort

Description: Organized, 1815, Presbyterians built first denominational church in city, 1824, on north side of Wapping, near St. Clair. This was outgrowth of Sunday School, begun in 1810 by Margaretta Brown. In 1849, the present modified Gothic church was built under guidance of the Rev. Stuart Robinson. During Civil War church remained united because of strong Union sympathies.

(Subjects: Civil War | Presbyterian Church)

Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church
(Marker Number: 2003)

County: Franklin
Location: Ducker Station Rd. & US 421 S., Frankfort

Description: Constituted in June 1788, with Wm. Hickman its founder and first pastor. Land obtained and frame meeting house built, 1795, near present brick church, constructed 1945. A Virginian, Hickman visited Ky., 1776, and began preaching; returned to Ky. in 1784. Minister to Forks of Elkhorn almost 40 yrs. Reinterred Frankfort Cem., 1916. Presented by church family of 1998.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Frankfort)

Frankfort
(Marker Number: 105)

County: Franklin
Location: Near cemetery, E. Main St., Frankfort

Description: Site surveyed July 16, 1773. Founded by General James Wilkinson. Chartered by Virginia Legislature Oct. 1786. Chosen Capital of Kentucky December 1792.

(Subjects: Capitals | Frankfort)

Frankfort
(Marker Number: 106)

County: Franklin
Location: Capitol Overlook, US 60, Frankfort

Description: Site surveyed July 16, 1773. Founded by General James Wilkinson. Chartered by Virginia Legislature Oct. 1786. Chosen Capital of Kentucky December 1792.

(Subjects: Capitals | Frankfort)

Frankfort Chosen as Capital
(Marker Number: 1774)

County: Franklin
Location: Near New Capitol, Capitol Ave.& Todd St., Frankfort

Description: After Kentucky became a state, five commissioners were appointed on June 20, 1792, to choose a location for the state capital. They were John Allen and John Edwards (both from Bourbon Co.), Henry Lee (Mason Co.), Thomas Kennedy (Madison Co.), and Robert Todd (Fayette Co.). A number of communities competed for this honor, but Frankfort won by perseverance and, according to early histories, the offer of Andrew Holmes' log house as capitol for seven years, a number of town lots, £50 worth of locks and hinges, 10 boxes of glass, 1500 pounds of nails, and $3000 in gold.

(Reverse) Frankfort Chosen as Capital - Other contenders for the honor of being selected as the permanent seat of Kentucky state government had offered, as was customary, lists of contributions. These hopeful towns were Legerwood's Bend (Mercer County), Delany's Ferry and Petersburg (Woodford County), Louisville, Lexington, Leestown, and Frankfort. After thorough examination of all sites, the commissioners, following a majority vote, met with the legislature in Lexington on December 5, 1792, and gave their recommendation-that Frankfort was the most suitable site for the state capital. See over.

(Subjects: Capitals | Ferry | Frankfort | Kentucky River | Lexington | Louisville)

Frankfort Union Station
(Marker Number: 1955)

County: Franklin
Location: Broadway & High St., Frankfort

Description: Built by Louisville & Nashville R.R., 1908, to replace depot located here by Lexington & Frankfort R.R. in 1850s. Present station was used by Chesapeake & Ohio, Louisville & Nashville, Frankfort & Cincinnati, and Kentucky Highlands. The last scheduled passenger train was C&O George Washington, April 30, 1971. Presented by Ky. Assoc. of Highway Contractors.

(Reverse) Early Tunnel in Kentucky - Early transportation tunnel in Kentucky. It was hand bored by Lexington and Frankfort Railroad in 1849. First passenger train went through on February 23, 1850. Replaced incline, built 1835 just east of here, previously used by railroad to enter Frankfort. Incline built by Lexington & Ohio, the first railroad in Kentucky. Presented by CSX Transportation.

(Subjects: Frankfort | Louisville and Nashville Railroad | Railroads)

Franklin County Hemp
(Marker Number: 1164)

County: Franklin
Location: Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort

Description: Kentucky River Mills began making hemp yarns for backs of Brussels carpets in 1878, and started producing binder twine in 1879. Finest quality imported machinery used. Employed 125 persons year round. In 1941, received contract from Navy for $148,500 worth of marine oakum. This was the last hemp factory to operate in Ky., closing down in 1952. See over.

(Reverse) Hemp in Kentucky - First crop grown, 1775. From 1840 to 1860, Ky.'s production largest in U.S. Peak in 1850 was 40,000 tons, with value of $5,000,000. Scores of factories made twine, rope, gunny sacks, bags for cotton picking and marketing. State's largest cash crop until 1915. Market lost to imported jute, freed of tariff. As war measure, hemp grown again during World War II. See over.

(Subjects: Hemp | World War II)

Franklin County, 1795
(Marker Number: 1359)

County: Franklin
Location: Capitol Overlook, US 60, Frankfort

Description: Taken from portions of Woodford, Mercer and Shelby counties. Ky. had become a state 3 years earlier, with Frankfort as capital, 1792. First meeting of the legislature's second session met here, 1793. Frankfort made county seat, 1795. Named for Benjamin Franklin, one of the leaders for independence and creation of United States.

(Subjects: Frankfort)

Garrard/Crittenden House
(Marker Number: 1796)

County: Franklin
Location: 300-302 Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort

Description: This early 19th century house is architecturally notable because of brick and log construction. It has series of timbers filled in with brick and mortar and covered with clapboard, a technique uncommon to central Kentucky. Owned by several prominent Kentuckians, including Thomas L. Crittenden and James Garrard families. Later acquired by the Commonwealth in 1973.

Good Shepherd Church
(Marker Number: 2057)

County: Franklin
Location: 310 Wapping St., Frankfort

Description: An active Catholic presence was established in Frankfort in 1808 with Reverend Angier as priest. In 1820s mass was offered at house on Broadway, opposite Capitol. In 1835 worship held in house near railroad tunnel; in 1837 Bishop Flaget of Bardstown purchased house for Catholics on corner of Broadway and High St. Presented by Good Shepherd Church.

(Reverse) Good Shepherd Church - By 1837 the Catholic community was formally called St. Patrick Mission. Ten years later there was an influx of German and Irish immigrants to Frankfort. A permanent pastor, Father J.M. Lancaster, was appointed in 1848. The property on Wapping Street was purchased in 1849. Congregation was renamed Good Shepherd with the dedication of the church in 1850.

(Subjects: Bishops | Catholic Church | Flaget, Bishop Benedict Joseph | Frankfort | Germans)

Gov. George Madison (1763-1816)
(Marker Number: 1896)

County: Franklin
Location: 330 W. Broadway, Frankfort

Description: A youthful Rev. War. soldier from Va., Madison was appointed auditor of Ky. public accounts by Governor Shelby; served some 20 years. His heroic service in the War of 1812 helped propel him to governorship, 1816; died shortly after taking office. Lt. Gov. Slaughter finished term of first Ky. gov. to die in office. Madison is buried in the state section of the Frankfort Cem.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Frankfort | Revolutionary War | Shelby, Isaac | War of 1812)

Hiram Lodge #4 F. & A.M.
(Marker Number: 2028)

County: Franklin
Location: 308 Ann St., Frankfort

Description: Chartered on December 11, 1799, by Virginia, as Hiram Lodge No. 57. It was renamed Hiram Lodge No. 4 on September 8, 1800, when the Grand Lodge of Kentucky was formed. The Ann Street lot was purchased on May 20, 1892; cornerstone laid April 1893; and dedicated on June 11, 1896. Presented by Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons - Hiram #4.

(Reverse) Hiram Lodge #4 F. & A.M. - Past members of Hiram Lodge #4 include Richard M. Johnson, U.S. vice president, 1837-41; Amos Kendall, U.S. postmaster general, 1835-40; Colonel John Allen, Grand Master, killed War of 1812; Judge George M. Bibb, Kentucky Court of Appeals, U.S. senator. Presented by Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons - Hiram #4.

(Subjects: Bibb, George M. | Johnson, Richard M. | War of 1812)

John Hampton House
(Marker Number: 1688)

County: Franklin
Location: 101 West Main St., Frankfort

Description: Earliest surviving stone house in city. Built before 1840, it is constructed of patterned river limestone with jack arches over windows and doors. The builder, John Hampton, was a tavern owner and operator in the county by 1818. His licenses extended into the 1820s. Several members of his family owned and operated taverns. Presented by Mrs. Fred W. Burch.

(Reverse) Early Stone House - This house, built by John Hampton, was later the home of Col. Mason H. P. Williams, Franklin County sheriff. He entertained Judge John M. Elliott of Ky. Court of Appeals in this house the night before the judge's assassination across street at the Capital Hotel, March 26, 1879. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. Presented by Mrs. Fred W. Burch.

(Subjects: National Register of Historic Places | Taverns)

Justice Todd House
(Marker Number: 1323)

County: Franklin
Location: Wapping and Washington Sts., Frankfort

Description: Home of Thomas Todd, built 1812. Clerk, the 10 Danville conventions leading to Kentucky statehood. Court of Appeals, 1801-1806. Its chief justice, 1806-1807. Justice on the US Supreme Court, 1807-1826. Born in Virginia, 1765. Died in 1826. His second marriage was to Lucy Payne Washington, sister of Dolley Madison, in the first recorded White House wedding, 1812.

Kentucky State University
(Marker Number: 1752)

County: Franklin
Location: Maryland Ave. entrance to Kentucky State University, Frankfort

Description: John H. Jackson, before becoming first president of college, headed black teachers' assoc. in Kentucky and promoted establishment of schools for instruction of black teachers. His efforts led to legislation founding college which became Ky. State. He served 1887-1898 and 1907-1910. First permanent building, Jackson Hall, was named for him. Hall listed on the National Register.

(Reverse) Kentucky State University - School was chartered 1886; opened 1887 with three teachers and 55 students. The first state-supported institution of higher education for blacks, school gained funds from legislature for building and teachers, and from Frankfort city council for site and clearing of grounds. Ky. State accredited as four year college in 1931; achieved university status 1972. Over.

(Subjects: African American | Kentucky State College | National Register of Historic Places | Schools)

Kentucky's Executive Mansion
(Marker Number: 2229)

County: Franklin
Location: Capitol Ave.at Governor's Mansion, Frankfort

Description: State's second governor's residence. Governor James B. McCreary, chair of the Sinking Fund Commission, guided the two-year (1912-14), $95,000 construction project. On the National Register of Historic Places–1972. Patterned after Marie Antoinette’s villa, the 25-room, limestone mansion and its gardens have been renovated several times.

(Subjects: Frankfort | Governors | National Register of Historic Places)

Ky African American Civil War Memorial
(Marker Number: 2226)

County: Franklin
Location: Greenhill Cemetery, Frankfort

Description: The African American Civil War Memorial in Greenhill Cemetery is only monument in state honoring the nearly 25,000 Kentuckians who served in the United States Colored Troops. The names of 142 men from central Ky are etched on monument. Memorial dedicated in July 1924.

(text same on reverse)

(Subjects: African American | Civil War)

Leestown
(Marker Number: 103)

County: Franklin
Location: Entrance to Buffalo Trace Distillery, Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort

Description: In 1773 McAfee Company and Hancock Taylor came here and surveyed area, an early pioneer stopping place. By 1775 Leestown settled and named by Hancock and Willis Lee; established by Va. Assembly, 1776. Temporarily abandoned in 1777 because of Indian attack, it was reestablished and became well-known shipping port for tobacco, hemp, corn and whiskey to New Orleans market. Over.

(Reverse) Leestown: Va. General Assembly had tobacco inspection warehouse erected in Leestown, 1783. A hemp factory was here for many years. At one time Leestown was a commercial center and contender for the state capital. During the War of 1812 it served as supply base against Indians. In 1827 the stones for the Old State House were quarried from river bank near here. Over.

(Subjects: Indians | War of 1812)

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky- Frankfort Newspapers
(Marker Number: 2215)

County: Franklin
Location: St. Clair Mall, Frankfort

Description: Ky. newspapers were a major means of reporting news regarding the 1803-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean. Of special importance were the Frankfort papers The Palladium and The Western World. Both carried news of the explorers' return. Over.

(Reverse) The October 2 and 9, 1806 issues of The Palladium ran the first printed accounts of the return of Lewis and Clark, noting that the explorers arrived "in very good health." The journey's details were then circulated nationally.

(Subjects: Frankfort | Lewis and Clark Expedition | Newspapers)

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky- Kentucky Militia
(Marker Number: 2211)

County: Franklin
Location: Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort

Description: State militia law (1792) required Kentuckians on the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition to serve in the Kentucky Militia, predecessor to the Kentucky National Guard. Records verify the militia service of William Clark and William Bratton. Over.

(Reverse) May 1800, Clark became captain of Jefferson Co. cavalry company in the 33rd Regt. During War of 1812, Bratton was private in 1st Rifle Regt., from Franklin Co. Captured at Battle of River Raisin on Jan. 22, 1813, was exchanged and was discharged on March 27, 1813.

(Subjects: Clark, William | Lewis and Clark Expedition | Raisin River, Battle of | War of 1812 | Kentucky National Guard)

Lewis and Clark- Lewis & Shieheke and William Clark in Frankfort
(Marker Number: 2212)

County: Franklin
Location: 325 Ann Street, Frankfort

Description: Meriwether Lewis, coleader of the 1803-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition, was in Frankfort from Nov. 13-15, 1806. Party included Mandan Chief Sheheke and family and delegation of Osage Indians. Group traveling to Washington to visit Pres. Thos. Jefferson. Over.

(Reverse) William Clark, coleader of the 1803-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition, visited frankfort many times. On Oct. 29, 1809, he confirmed the death of Meriwether Lewis and discussed it with Christopher Greenup, Charles Scott, and others while passing through Frankfort on way to Washington.

(Subjects: Clark, William | Frankfort | Indians | Lewis and Clark Expedition | Lewis, Meriwether)

Lexington & Ohio R.R.
(Marker Number: 69)

County: Franklin
Location: Near Industrial Park, US 421, Frankfort

Description: Site of first railroad west of the Alleghenies. Built 1833-34. Flat iron rails were pinned to quarried limestone blocks. The 23-mile run between Lexington and Frankfort required four hours.

(Subjects: Railroads)

Liberty Hall: A National Historic Landmark
(Marker Number: 1653)

County: Franklin
Location: 218 Wilkinson, Frankfort

Description: This Georgian mansion was begun 1796, by John Brown and named for Lexington, Va., academy he attended. His wife Margaretta and Elizabeth Love began first Sunday School west of Alleghenies in garden. Guests have included James Monroe, Zachary Taylor, Andrew Jackson and Gen. Lafayette. In 1937 property deeded to Liberty Hall, Inc. Over.

(Reverse) John Brown (1757-1837) - A member of the Continental Congress and one of Kentucky's first two U.S. senators, 1792-1805, John Brown was in the Revolutionary War under Washington and served as aide to Lafayette. After reading law with Thomas Jefferson, he came to Kentucky and purchased this square from Andrew Holmes. In 1799 John married Margaretta Mason of New York; brought her here, 1801.

(Subjects: Jackson, Andrew | Jefferson, Thomas | Lafayette, Marquis de | Revolutionary War | Taylor, Zachary | Washington, George)

Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC
(Marker Number: 1465)

County: Franklin
Location: Frankfort Cemetery, E. Main St., US 60, Frankfort

Description: First American to raise U.S. flag on foreign soil at Battle of Derne on shores of Tripoli, April 27, 1805. Led attack that overcame Barbary Coast pirates who were holding 180 American seamen for ransom. O'Bannon came to Logan County in 1807. Served in State Legislature 1812, 17, 20-21, and Senate 1824-26. Died in 1850. Remains moved to Frankfort, 1919.

(Reverse) Marine Corps Emblem (Image)

(Subjects: Frankfort)

Macklin House
(Marker Number: 1925)

County: Franklin
Location: 212 Washington St., Frankfort

Description: This townhouse, built ca. 1850, became home of George B. Macklin, prominent land owner and coal dealer. He came in 1867 from Forks of Elkhorn area. His coal yard near L&N R.R bridge. Two-story brick carriage house at rear, one of few in county, built about same time. Blacksmith shop here also. In Corner of Celebrities Hist. Dist. Presented by John C. Ryan and Donald Duff.

(Subjects: Coal | Frankfort | Louisville and Nashville Railroad)

Melodye Park
(Marker Number: 2031)

County: Franklin
Location: Todd St. & Lawrenceburg Rd., Frankfort

Description: Louis Horwitz, a Frankfort resident for forty years, bought land on the Kentucky River in 1935 where he built an extensive park named after his daughter. The nine-acre park was always open to visitors at no charge. For years it was Frankfort's only public park. Presented by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

(Reverse) Melodye Park - Its features included fishponds, picnic tables, gardens, 4,000 roses, fountains, restrooms, boat docks, bathhouses, diving boards, and a man-made waterfall. Two Chinese pagodas were used for dancing, concerts, and movies. Music was piped through the park from the elaborate boathouse. The park was destroyed due to flooding in the 1950s.

(Subjects: Floods | Frankfort | Kentucky River | Music)

Morehead House
(Marker Number: 819)

County: Franklin
Location: Main & Washington, Frankfort

Description: Built by Mark Hardin, Registrar, Ky. Land Office, in 1810. Before Civil War, home of six prominent Kentuckians; among whom were John Harvie, Pres., Bank of Ky., and, for 13 years, Charles S. Morehead, Governor (1855-59). Lawrence Tobin acquired it in 1874 and it was held by heirs to 1961. He built railroad, Lexington to Louisville, and was local merchant 48 years.

New Capitol
(Marker Number: 1779)

County: Franklin
Location: Capitol Ave.& Todd St., Frankfort

Description: Gov. J. C. W. Beckham promoted construction of New Capitol due to overcrowding and disrepair in Old Capitol. Federal funds for Civil and Spanish-American War claims paid half of $1,820,000 cost. In 1904, Frank M. Andrews selected as architect. Cornerstone laid 1906. Capitol completed during Gov. A. E. Willson's term. Legislature met January; building dedicated June 1910.

(Reverse) New Capitol - Building's style is neo-classic, with seventy Ionic monolithic columns. North pediment shows a heroine-Kentucky-with Progress, History, Law, Art, and Labor as attendants. French influence portrayed by dome and rotunda, designed like tomb of Napoleon, and white marble stairs with banisters, copies of those in Paris Opera House. Murals in east and west wings by Gilbert White.

(Subjects: Architects | Artists | Beckham, J.C.W. | Frankfort | Governors | Spanish-American War)

Old State House
(Marker Number: 1524)

County: Franklin
Location: Old State Capitol grounds, Broadway, Frankfort

Description: Kentucky's third capitol on this site was built in 1827-1829 of Kentucky River marble. The two previous capitols were destroyed by fire. Gideon Shryock of Lexington, one of the state's most distinguished architects, designed the building which introduced Greek Revival style to Kentucky. Its most outstanding feature is the self-supporting, stone circular stairway. Joel Scott, keeper of penitentiary, invented a wire saw to cut the rough stone to expedite construction. This building, Shryock's masterpiece, served as seat of government for eighty years until completion of New Capitol in 1909. Daniel Boone and wife Rebecca lay in state here in 1845 before their reinterment in Frankfort. Only state capitol in U.S. captured by Confederate forces, September 1862. Gov. William Goebel assassinated here, January 30, 1900. Home of the Kentucky Historical Society since 1920; restored, 1973-75. Extensive museum-open to public.

(Subjects: Architects | Boone, Daniel | Capitals | Civil War | Kentucky Historical Society | Museums | Rivers | Shryock, Gideon)

Oliver Percy Rood 1845-1885
(Marker Number: 2227)

County: Franklin
Location: Leslie Morris Park on Fort Hill, Frankfort

Description: Civil War Medal of Honor recipiant. Born in Franklin Co. on April 25, 1845. Rood moved to Indiana in mid-1850s. Served as private with Co F, 14th IN Inf. Regt. On July 2, 1863, captured flag of 21st NC Inf. Regt. at the Battle of Gettysburg. Died June 1, 1885. He is buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Nashville, TN.

(text same on reverse)

(Subjects: Civil War | Medal of Honor Winners)

Paul Sawyier Boyhood Home
(Marker Number: 2204)

County: Franklin
Location: 100 W. Broadway, Frankfort

Description: Boyhood home of Paul Sawyier, famous landscape watercolorist & portrait painter. He perfected atmospheric techniques painting Frankfort, Elkhorn Creek, & Ky. River. Also painted High Bridge & Camp Nelson in Jessamine Co., where he lived on the river. Of his 3,000 paintings, only 300 have been recovered. Over.

(Reverse) Home of Sawyier's grandmother, Penelope Wingate. In 1869, Paul's parents, Ellen & Dr. Nathaniel Sawyier, moved here from Ohio. Paul attended local schools and painted in Cincinnati, New York, & Kentucky. He died in New York in 1917 and is buried in the Frankfort Cemetery. Over.

(Subjects: Artists | Cemeteries | Frankfort | Kentucky River)

Paul Sawyier Library
(Marker Number: 2293)

County: Franklin
Location: 319 Wapping Street, Frankfort

Description: Lilian Lindsey, who lived in the Vest-Lindsey House, founded the Frankfort Public Library. It opened on Dec. 12, 1908, in the McClure Building, and was managed by the Frankfort Woman’s Club until 1965. The library moved to the Old State House, then to the Masonic Building, and in 1925, to the Woman’s Club Building.

(Reverse) The Franklin County Homemakers Clubs, in cooperation with the Library Extension Division, started a countywide bookmobile in 1955. The library & bookmobile service merged in 1965 and moved to the old post office, which was named Paul Sawyier Public Library in honor of the well-known artist. The new library opened in 2006.

(Subjects: Library | Paul Sawyier)

Rev. Jesse R. Zeigler House (Frank Lloyd Wright House)
(Marker Number: 1726)

County: Franklin
Location: 509 Shelby St., Frankfort

Description: The design for this house came from a chance shipboard meeting in 1910 of Rev. Zeigler of this city with Frank Lloyd Wright, the internationally known architect. The Presbyterian minister had local contractor Scott begin construction that year. This is an example of Wright's "prairie house," utilizing open floor plans. See over.

(Reverse) Frank Lloyd Wright, (1869-1959) - Famous primarily as a residence architect, Wright also planned many impressive public structures, including the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo and Guggenheim Museum in New York City. This is the only building of his design erected in Ky. during his lifetime. House was listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Over.

(Subjects: Architects | Museums | National Register of Historic Places | Presbyterian Church)

Ruth Hanly Booe (1891-1973)
(Marker Number: 2192)

County: Franklin
Location: 112 E. Second Street, Frankfort

Description: In 1919, friends Ruth Hanly and Rebecca Gooch left teaching to found Rebecca-Ruth Candy. Operating out of the barroom of the Frankfort Hotel, closed due to Prohibition, the two were successful entrepreneurs before women gained the right to vote. In 1929, Gooch sold her half of the business to widow Booe. Over. Booe is credited as the inventor of the “Bourbon Ball,” a world- famous confection, and the “Mint Kentucky Colonel.” Her business savvy saw the company through a factory fire, the Great Depression, and sugar rationing during World War II. Booe remained active in the business until 1964.

(Subjects: Women | Rebecca-Ruth Candies)

Site of Love House
(Marker Number: 1182)

County: Franklin
Location: Wapping & Wilkinson Sts., Frankfort

Description: First meeting of the Legislature, after Frankfort made capital, held here, 1793, when owned by Andrew Holmes. Built about 1786 by Gen. James Wilkinson. Purchased in 1797 by Maj. Thomas Love and wife. It was for years an inn and center of political and social life for the capital. The exiled French Prince Louis Philippe and Aaron Burr were among guests. In use until 1870.

(Subjects: Burr, Aaron)

Site of Winnie A. Scott Hospital
(Marker Number: 2025)

County: Franklin
Location: 228 E. 2nd St., Frankfort

Description: The Women's Club Hospital Company, with community support, established a hospital here on Dec. 26, 1915. It was named for Winnie A. Scott, a local teacher instrumental in its founding. The facility was the only Frankfort hospital serving African Americans until desegregation of King's Daughters Hospital in 1959. Presented by Frankfort Civic Organizations and the Ky. African American Heritage Commission.

(Subjects: African American | Hospitals | Teachers)

State Arsenal
(Marker Number: 1490)

County: Franklin
Location: E. Main St., US 60, Frankfort

Description: Erected 1850 to replace Arsenal, on Old State House grounds, that burned in 1836. It was seized by Confederates in Sept., 1862, but recaptured by Union in Oct. Scene of a second skirmish, 1864. Fire destroyed building, 1933, but outer walls remained intact. Rebuilt and used by the Department of Military Affairs until conversion to Military History Museum, 1973.

(Subjects: Civil War | Frankfort | Museums)

Switzer Covered Bridge
(Marker Number: 1571)

County: Franklin
Location: KY 1262, Switzer

Description: Franklin County's only covered bridge spans North Elkhorn Creek and is 120 ft. long and 11 ft. wide. It was built by George Hockensmith circa 1855. Each entrance has a sawtooth edge; the lattice is pinned with trunnels (treenails). Restored in 1906 by Louis Bower. Closed to traffic in 1954. This bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 1974.

(Reverse) Covered Bridges - Covered bridges were first built in the 1790s but did not become widely popular until after 1814. They were covered to protect them from the weather. At one time there were more than 400 covered bridges in Ky. The timbered spans have played a romantic role in our history. Some were destroyed during the Civil War. The remaining ones are a nostalgic link with the past.

(Subjects: Covered Bridges | Creeks | National Register of Historic Places)

The Church of the Ascension
(Marker Number: 1537)

County: Franklin
Location: 311 Washington St., Frankfort

Description: In January 1836 the first Bishop of Kentucky, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Bosworth Smith, received from the Church of the Ascension on Canal Street in New York City a "gift or loan" to found an Episcopal Church in Frankfort. The present church building was erected in 1850 with funds donated by Judge John Harris Hanna, first president of the Farmers Bank. Over.

(Reverse) The Church of the Ascension - First full-time rector was the Reverend John N. Norton. Throughout the Civil War, the parish remained united. The parish founded first free school for the poor in Frankfort and furnished a home for orphans from 1859 to 1939 on this site. It sponsored the first library in Frankfort. Many of Kentucky's Governors have worshipped here. See over.

(Subjects: Episcopal Church | Library)

The Frankfort Barracks
(Marker Number: 2061)

County: Franklin
Location: Shelby & New Sts., Frankfort

Description: The barracks, established in April 1871, and the command moved here in December of that year. Buildings were erected on Alexander Goldsmith Brawner's five acres known as Coleman's Spring lot. Post consisted of barracks, guardhouse, baking oven, and two one-story hospitals. Presented by Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation.

(Reverse) The Frankfort Barracks - The purpose of the barracks was to provide a military presence and the protection of African Americans in the area. The post quartered members of the 4th and later the 16th U.S. Inf. Regiments. The Frankfort Barracks District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Presented by Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation.

(Subjects: African American | Frankfort | Hospitals | National Register of Historic Places)

The Old Mansion
(Marker Number: 1208)

County: Franklin
Location: High & Clinton Sts., Frankfort

Description: Home of thirty-three Governors during their terms of office and scene of elaborate political and social functions, 1797 to 1914. Thomas Metcalfe, who laid the stone foundation in 1797, later occupied the mansion as the tenth Kentucky Governor, 1828-32. Not used from 1914 to 1956. Then it was renovated and made residence for the Lieutenant Governors.

(Subjects: Governors)

Upper Benson Church
(Marker Number: 595)

County: Franklin
Location: Near Anderson-Franklin Co. line, US 127, Frankfort

Description: The earliest Presbyterian Church in Franklin County was built in 1795 on a site one mile to the east; organized by Thomas Paxton and located on land owned by him. Services held in it until 1848. Rev. Samuel Shannon was its first Minister. Mr. Paxton and others from Upper Benson Church aided in founding The First Presbyterian Church of Frankfort in 1815. Presented by First Presbyterian Church, Frankfort.

(Subjects: Presbyterian Church)

Vest-Lindsey House
(Marker Number: 1743)

County: Franklin
Location: Wapping & Washington Sts., Frankfort

Description: Erected before 1820, this house is linked to several prominent men. It was childhood home of George Graham Vest, a famous orator, debater and three-term senator from Missouri; member CSA Congress 3 years. Also home of Daniel W. Lindsey, who, during the Civil War, was Union regimental and brigade commander, and later Inspector General and Adjutant General of Kentucky.

(Subjects: Civil War)

Veterans of American Revolution Elected Governor of Kentucky
(Marker Number: 1372)

County: Franklin
Location: Old State Capitol, Frankfort

Description:

Isaac Shelby, 1792-96, 1812-16; Col., Va. Militia
James Garrard, 1796-1800, 1800-4; Col., Va. Militia
Christopher Greenup, 1804-8; Col., Va. Militia
Charles Scott, 1808-12; Brevet Maj. Gen., Cont. Army
George Madison, 1816-died same year; Capt., Caroline Militia, Va.
John Adair, 1820-24; Brig. Gen., S.C. Line

Presented by Ky. Soc. Sons of the Revolution.

(Reverse) Veterans of American Revolution Elected U.S. Senator from Ky.

John Brown, 1792-1805; Private, Va. Militia
John Edwards, 1792-95; Drummer, Pa. Line
Humphrey Marshall, 1795-1804; Capt.,Va. Militia
John Breckinridge, 1801-5; Subaltern, Va. Militia
George Walker, 1814; Pvt., Morgan's Rifle Corps
John Adair, 1805-6; Brig. Gen., S.C. Line

Presented by Ky. Soc. Sons of the Revolution.

(Subjects: Breckinridge, John Cabell | Governors | Revolutionary War | Shelby, Isaac)