Frankfort in Franklin County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC

Photographed By Craig Doda, August 30, 2022

1. Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker (repainted)

Inscription. 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.

Erected 1973 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 1465.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 27, 1843.

Location. 38° 11.634′ N, 84° 51.896′ W. Marker is in Frankfort, Kentucky, in Franklin County. Marker is on East Main Street (U.S. 60/460). Located in the Frankfort Cemetery. Follow the main road to the Kentucky State War memorial. Tall monolith on a rise in the middle of the cemetery, about ¼ mile south of the entrance. 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. Kentucky's State Mound (a few steps from this marker); Kentucky War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Persian Gulf War (within shouting

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

distance of this marker); Vietnam Conflict (within shouting distance of this marker); War Of Independence (within shouting distance of this marker); Korean Conflict (within shouting distance of this marker); War of 1812 (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frankfort.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Markers related to Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC.

Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker (refurbished in 2021). image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2022

2. Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker (refurbished in 2021).

Kentucky State Military Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, June 17, 2008

3. Kentucky State Military Memorial

Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, June 17, 2008

4. Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker

Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, original Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, June 17, 2008

5. Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, original Marker

Lt Presley N O'Bannon Sept. 12, 1826 Aged 74 Years The Hero of Derne, Tripoli Northern Africa, April 27, 1805 as Captain of the United States Marines. He was the First to Place the American Flag on Foreign Soil.

Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker (before being repeated). image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, June 17, 2008

6. Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker (before being repeated).

Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker (Older paint scheme) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Doda, July 3, 2019

7. Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon, USMC Marker (Older paint scheme)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,125 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 1, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 2. submitted on August 3, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 31, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. 7. submitted on September 1, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.