Frankfort in Franklin County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Old State House
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 20, 2022
1. Old State House Marker (repainted)
Kentucky's third capitol on this site was built in 1827-29 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 re-internment in Frankfort. Only state capitol in U.S. captured by Confederate forces, November 1862. Governor William Goebel assassinated here January 30, 1900. Home of the Kentucky Historical Society since 1920; restored 1973-75. Extensive museum - open to public.
Erected 1975 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 1524.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 30, 1900.
Location.
this page online
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: Confederates Here (a few steps from this marker); Veterans of American Revolution Elected Governor of Kentucky (a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Father of Kentucky Historical Society Highway Marker Program (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old State House (within shouting distance of this marker); William Goebel (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Congregation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Governor William Goebel (about 300 feet away); Inauguration Elm (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frankfort.
Photographed by Pat Filippone, November 22, 2016
2. Old State House
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 11, 2019
3. Capitol Building Captured by Confederate Forces
Photographed by Pat Filippone, June 20, 2016
4. Old State House Marker
Photographed by Pat Filippone, November 22, 2016
5. Old State House Marker
Photographed by Brian Anderson, September 20, 2021
6. Formerly missing Old State House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2017, by Pat Filippone of Stockton, California. This page has been viewed 952 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on June 5, 2024, by Mitchell Anderson of Ricetown, Kentucky. Photos: 1. submitted on March 24, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 2. submitted on January 22, 2017, by Pat Filippone of Stockton, California. 3. submitted on February 2, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on January 22, 2017, by Pat Filippone of Stockton, California. 6. submitted on November 12, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
