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Covington in Kenton County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
 

William Goebel

Lawyer, Governor

 
 
William Goebel Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 17, 2021
1. William Goebel Marker
Inscription.
Goebel began his legal career in this building and advanced through ties to notable leaders. Born in Pa. in 1856, Goebel rose from poverty. Elected to state senate in 1887, he served as president pro-tem of that body, 1894-1900. In the 1890-91 constitutional convention, and later, Goebel was active in his support of railroad regulation and other reforms.

Nominated for governor in 1899, Democrat Goebel lost close race to Republican William Taylor. The election was contested and, during that debate, Goebel was shot on January 30, 1900, near the Old Capitol. Before his death four days later, he was declared gov. by the legislature. Three convicted in the murder were later pardoned and the killer's identity uncertain.
 
Erected 1982 by Kentucky Historical Society, and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1709.)
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public WorkLaw Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 30, 1900.
 
Location. 39° 5.095′ N, 84° 31.209′ W. Marker
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is in Covington, Kentucky, in Kenton County. It is on Philadelphia Street just south of 5th Street, on the right when traveling south. Located in Goebel Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Philadelphia St, Covington KY 41011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Outer Bluegrass. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Ohio River Valley. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Robert L. Surtees / Academy Award Winner (a few steps from this marker); Haven Gillespie (1888-1975) (within shouting distance of this marker); Una Merkel ~~ Film Star (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Duveneck (1848 - 1919) / Eminent Artist (within shouting distance of this marker); German Gothic Glockenspiel Clock Tower (within shouting distance
William Goebel Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 17, 2021
2. William Goebel Marker
of this marker); Goebel Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pied Piper of Hamelin (about 300 feet away); Major League Baseball (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Covington.
 
William Goebel Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 17, 2021
3. William Goebel Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 511 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos:   1. submitted on April 27, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.   2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
m=171929

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Jul. 10, 2026