Frankfort in Franklin County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
The Kentucky River Today
Recreation and Resource
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 20, 2022
1. The Kentucky River Today Marker
Inscription.
The Kentucky River Today. Recreation and Resource. Steamboats no longer pass through the Kentucky River locks; log rafts no longer splash over the dams; and showboats no longer bring music and drama to small Kentucky towns, but the Kentucky River remains of vital importance to the people of central Kentucky. The river is the main source of fresh water for Kentucky River valley towns from Beattyville north and west-most notably for the city of Lexington. But it is an endangered resource. The river absorbs mine run - off, sewage, trash, and all manner of other pollutants. The locks and dams essential to the maintenance of freshwater pools are growing old, mechanically decrepit, structurally weak, and very expensive to maintain. The river has been popular for decades with recreational boaters in houseboats, speedboats, and fishing boats. But the Kentucky River is becoming inaccessible as the locks fail, and it is becoming shallow as the channel silts up. The Kentucky River is one of the most historic and beautiful rivers in the United States, but it presents many challenges day and future Americans. , Photo caption: Mid-20th Century photograph of Frankfort citizens on the frozen Kentucky River. Courtesy of the Capital City Museum; City of Frankfort Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites.
Steamboats no longer pass through the Kentucky River locks; log rafts no longer
splash over the dams; and showboats no longer bring music and drama to small Kentucky towns, but the Kentucky River remains of vital importance to the people of central Kentucky. The river is the main source of fresh water for Kentucky River valley towns from Beattyville north and west-most notably for the city of Lexington. But it is an endangered resource. The river absorbs mine run - off, sewage, trash, and all manner of other pollutants. The locks and dams essential to the maintenance of freshwater pools are growing old, mechanically decrepit, structurally weak, and very expensive to maintain. The river has been popular for decades with recreational boaters in houseboats, speedboats, and fishing boats. But the Kentucky River is becoming inaccessible as the locks fail, and it is becoming shallow as the channel silts up. The Kentucky River
is one of the most historic and beautiful rivers in
the United States, but it presents many challenges
day and future Americans.
Photo caption: Mid-20th Century photograph of Frankfort citizens on
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the frozen Kentucky River. Courtesy of the Capital City Museum; City of Frankfort Department of Parks, Recreation & Historic Sites.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 38° 12.148′ N, 84° 52.847′ W. Marker is in Frankfort, Kentucky, in Franklin County. It is on Wilkinson Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Located in River View Park close to the Kentucky River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frankfort KY 40601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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: Bridge Abutments (here, next to this marker); The Kentucky (within shouting distance of this
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
