Frankfort in Franklin County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Capital on the Kentucky
Photographed By Craig Doda, March 20, 2022
1. Capital on the Kentucky Marker
On June 1, 1792, Kentucky became the fifteenth state of the United States and
adopted one of the most democratic constitutions to that point. A board of five
commissioners was appointed to select a capital site. The four sites given 'the most serious consideration were Petersburg, Leestown, Lexington, and Frankfort. In a show of amazing public spirit and civic pride, Frankfort, a town of approximately two hundred, offered ten boxes of glass, fifteen hundred pounds of nails, the use of a sawmill, two horses and a cart, donation of land, and 166 2/3 dollars worth of locks and hinges, stone, and lumber, thus becoming the highest bidder. Photo captions: Top right: This view of the first permanent statehouse in Frankfort, built in 1796, was recorded for the New York Magazine by John Scoles. This building and the second capitol building both burned down. The 1830 Greek Revival capitol Public Square area is the third permanent Kentucky capitol building burned. Kentucky Historical Society Collection.
Bottom left: 1841 engraving of Frankfort. The name commemorates Stephen Frank who was killed in a skirmish between several
Photographed By Craig Doda, March 20, 2022
2. Capital on the Kentucky Marker
this page online
This map shows the division of Kentucky into three counties—Jefferson, Fayette, and Lincoln—and the location of Frankfort where they intersected. Kentucky Historical Society Collection.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1792.
Location. 38° 12.113′ N, 84° 52.832′ W. Marker is in Frankfort, Kentucky, in Franklin County. Marker is on Wilkinson Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Located in River View Park west of the parking area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frankfort KY 40601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Kentucky (a few steps from this marker); The Kentucky River Authority (a few steps from this marker); Bridge Abutments (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kentucky River Today (within shouting distance of this marker); Franks Ford, Fishtrap Island, and Craw (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Farm Entryway and Pillar (about 500 feet away); Amos Kendall (1789 - 1869) (about 500 feet away); Turnpike Era Fence (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frankfort.
Photographed By Craig Doda, March 20, 2022
3. Capital on the Kentucky Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 39 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 24, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
