Kentucky Historical Marker #2204
Paul Sawyier Boyhood Home. Boyhood home of Paul Sawyier, famous landscape watercolorist & portrait painter. He perfected atmospheric techniques painting Frankfort, Elkhorn Creek, & Ky. River. Also painted High Bridge & Camp Nelson in Jessamine Co., where he lived on the river. Of his 3,000 paintings, only 300 have been recovered. Over. (Reverse) Home of Sawyier's grandmother, Penelope Wingate. In 1869, Paul's parents, Ellen & Dr. Nathaniel Sawyier, moved here from Ohio. Paul attended local schools and painted in Cincinnati, New York, & Kentucky. He died in New York in 1917 and is buried in the Frankfort Cemetery. Over.
100 W. Broadway, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1707
Early South Frankfort. This site is part of 500-acre land grant (1782) to Rev. War soldier Geo. Campbell, who served with Geo. Rogers Clark. Property has been owned by noted persons including early legislators Otho Beatty, Wm. Murray and Baker Ewing; State Auditor Thomas Page; and lawyer philanthropist John Hanna. South Frankfort, a separate town 1810-50, included most of Campbell survey. (Reverse) Early Families Here - Owners whose families lived in the original house here - J. W. Denny, State Attorney General; Thomas Loughborough and son Judge Preston Loughborough, Chief U. S. Postal Inspector; Sally S. Jouett, widow of Col. William R. Jouett; and Thomasine Jouett, granddaughter of Rev. war hero Jack Jouett. This Queen Anne house was built by John Meagher, 1889-90. Over.
507 W. Second St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1799
Amos Kendall (1789-1869). This noted journalist-politician lived here. A Massachusetts native, he migrated to Kentucky in 1814 and spent one year with the family of Henry Clay as tutor. From 1816-28, Kendall resided in Frankfort as editor of the Argus of Western America. First a supporter of Henry Clay, he later promoted Andrew Jackson and helped carry Kentucky for him in 1828. See over. (Reverse) Amos Kendall - Amos Kendall moved to Washington with Jackson administration, 1829. Joined group of close presidential advisors known as "Kitchen Cabinet" and served five years as postmaster general. He gained wealth as business agent for Samuel F. B. Morse, 1845-1869; his generous donations helped to found school for deaf and mute, later Gallaudet College in Washington, D. C. Over.
413 West Broadway, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1955
Frankfort Union Station. Built by Louisville & Nashville R.R., 1908, to replace depot located here by Lexington & Frankfort R.R. in 1850s. Present station was used by Chesapeake & Ohio, Louisville & Nashville, Frankfort & Cincinnati, and Kentucky Highlands. The last scheduled passenger train was C&O George Washington, April 30, 1971. Presented by Ky. Assoc. of Highway Contractors. (Reverse) Early Tunnel in Kentucky - Early transportation tunnel in Kentucky. It was hand bored by Lexington and Frankfort Railroad in 1849. First passenger train went through on February 23, 1850. Replaced incline, built 1835 just east of here, previously used by railroad to enter Frankfort. Incline built by Lexington & Ohio, the first railroad in Kentucky. Presented by CSX Transportation.
Broadway & High St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2363
Robert Johnson and Jemima Suggett Johnson. Robert Johnson (1745-1815)- Moved from Beargrass to Bryan’s Station in 1780. Founded Johnson’s Station at Great Crossing, 1783. Represented Fayette Co. in Va. Assembly. Surveyor of Ky. Led defense against Indians, 1787-93. Trustee of Georgetown. Member of Ky. Constitutional Conventions of 1792 & 1799 and Ky. Legislature in 1802. Justice of Scott Co. (Reverse) Jemima Suggett Johnson (1753-1814)- Tradition holds that she led women at Bryan’s Station to nearby spring for water just before siege, 1782. Three sons served in U.S. Congress in 1825: Rep. James & John T. and Sen. Richard M. Johnson, who became U.S. vice president in 1837. Charter members & land donors of Great Crossing Baptist Church. Buried with 5 of 11 children in church cemetery.
2089 Frankfort Rd., Georgetown, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0123
Corner in Celebrities. Homes of Thomas S. Todd, John M. Harlan, George M. Bibb, John J. Crittenden, John Brown, James Brown, Thomas Metcalfe, Robert P. Letcher, George G. Vest, Benjamin G. Brown, James Harlan, Charles Slaughter Morehead, Thomas S. Crittenden, John C. Watson, Hugh Rodman.
Wapping & Washington Sts., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0113
Daniel Boone's Grave. Born 1734, died 1820. Entered Eastern Kentucky, 1767; explored Bluegrass Region, 1769-71; guided Transylvania Company, blazed Wilderness Trail, built Fort Boonesborough in 1775; directed defense of the fort, 1778; emigrated to Missouri, 1799; reinterred, with wife Rebecca, in Frankfort Cemetery, 1845. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Daniel Boone's Grave
Frankfort Cemetery, E. Main St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0103
Leestown. In 1773 McAfee Company and Hancock Taylor came here and surveyed area, an early pioneer stopping place. By 1775 Leestown settled and named by Hancock and Willis Lee; established by Va. Assembly, 1776. Temporarily abandoned in 1777 because of Indian attack, it was reestablished and became well-known shipping port for tobacco, hemp, corn and whiskey to New Orleans market. Over. (Reverse) Leestown: Va. General Assembly had tobacco inspection warehouse erected in Leestown, 1783. A hemp factory was here for many years. At one time Leestown was a commercial center and contender for the state capital. During the War of 1812 it served as supply base against Indians. In 1827 the stones for the Old State House were quarried from river bank near here. Over. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Leestown and ExploreKYHistory: Glen Willis
Entrance to Buffalo Trace Distillery, Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort, KY, United States
First Methodist Church Organised by Rev William Holman in 1821. First Methodist Conference in Kentucky, 1790, made Frankfort, then a frontier station, part of the Lexington Circuit. The first small church built on Ann Street. Present site of church purchased 1856; building completed 1858. Bishops H.H. Kavanaugh and E. I. Tullis served as pastors of church [full inscription unknown]
Washington St, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2513
The Frankfort Kentucky Reel. In the early 1800s, fishing for bass was an important source of food and recreation in central Kentucky. Demand for an effective baitcasting reel led Jonathan and Benjamin Meek, originally watchmakers and silversmiths, to cut precision parts and perfect the quadruple multiplying reel. In 1839, Benjamin Milam became an apprentice at the Frankfort business. In 1853, Ben Meek and B.C. Milam began stamping the reels “Meek & Milam.” Meek left the business in 1898, and B.C. Milam continued working with his son, John. From 1896-1903, B.C. Milam and Son reels were known as “The Frankfort Kentucky Reel.” These highly valued reels, used by dignitaries and serious anglers around the world, were all made here at 222 W. Main St. Dedicated June 9, 2017.
222 W. Main St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0106
Frankfort. Site surveyed July 16, 1773. Founded by General James Wilkinson. Chartered by Virginia Legislature Oct. 1786. Chosen Capital of Kentucky December 1792. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: Frankfort Chosen as Capital
Capitol Overlook, US 60, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2423
Frankfort State Hospital and School Cemetery. In 1860, Gov. Magoffin signed a bill establishing the Kentucky Institution for the Education and Training of Feeble-Minded Children. In the 1940s, the name changed to the Kentucky Training Home. Adults were admitted and housed with the children due to overcrowding. Capacity was 616, but rose to 1129 residents. (Reverse) By 1963, the name changed to Frankfort State Hospital and School. It closed in 1972. Many residents spent their entire lives here working as unpaid staff by maintaining the institution. More than 411 people are buried in the cemetery, with most graves marked as “unknown.”
Glenn's Creek Rd. & Cold Harbor Dr., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1208
The Old Mansion. Home of thirty-three Governors during their terms of office and scene of elaborate political and social functions, 1797 to 1914. Thomas Metcalfe, who laid the stone foundation in 1797, later occupied the mansion as the tenth Kentucky Governor, 1828-32. Not used from 1914 to 1956. Then it was renovated and made residence for the Lieutenant Governors.
High & Clinton Sts., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0522
Confederates Here. The Kentucky State Government moved to Louisville before CSA entered Lexington Sept. 2, 1862. Confederate cavalry moved through Sept. 3 on way toward Louisville. Richard Hawes was inaugurated second Confederate Governor October 4. Generals Bragg and Kirby Smith with large CSA force were present. They withdrew and Union forces occupied Frankfort, Oct. 7, 1862. Dedicated September 27, 1962. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: CSA Governor at Old State Capitol and ExploreKYHistory: Confederates Here
Old Capitol Grounds, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1524
Old State House. Kentucky's third capitol on this site was built in 1827-1829 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 reinterment in Frankfort. Only state capitol in U.S. captured by Confederate forces, September 1862. Gov. William Goebel assassinated here, January 30, 1900. Home of the Kentucky Historical Society since 1920; restored, 1973-75. Extensive museum-open to public.
Old State Capitol grounds, Broadway, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1896
Gov. George Madison (1763-1816). A youthful Rev. War. soldier from Va., Madison was appointed auditor of Ky. public accounts by Governor Shelby; served some 20 years. His heroic service in the War of 1812 helped propel him to governorship, 1816; died shortly after taking office. Lt. Gov. Slaughter finished term of first Ky. gov. to die in office. Madison is buried in the state section of the Frankfort Cem.
330 W. Broadway, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1420
"Father of Kentucky Historical Society Highway Marker Program". Still dynamic after a full career of diversified public service, W. A. Wentworth directed rapid expansion of Kentucky Historical Highway Marker Program as Chairman, 1962 until his death, 1971. Born New Hampshire, 1888. Public Relations executive with Borden Co., N.Y., for 27 years. President General, Natl. Society Sons of the American Revolution. (Reverse) "Father of Kentucky Historical Society Highway Marker Program" - In 1962, eighty percent of the few markers in Kentucky were located in the Bluegrass area. Under W. A. Wentworth's leadership, markers were erected in every county with more than 1100 in the state. Affection for his "adopted state" was displayed by dedication to this program. These historical markers will remain a monument to his scholarship and integrity.
Old State Capitol, Broadway, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1372
Veterans of American Revolution Elected Governor of Kentucky. Isaac Shelby, 1792-96, 1812-16; Col., Va. Militia James Garrard, 1796-1800, 1800-4; Col., Va. Militia Christopher Greenup, 1804-8; Col., Va. Militia Charles Scott, 1808-12; Brevet Maj. Gen., Cont. Army George Madison, 1816-died same year; Capt., Caroline Militia, Va. John Adair, 1820-24; Brig. Gen., S.C. Line Presented by Ky. Soc. Sons of the Revolution. (Reverse) Veterans of American Revolution Elected U.S. Senator from Ky. John Brown, 1792-1805; Private, Va. Militia John Edwards, 1792-95; Drummer, Pa. Line Humphrey Marshall, 1795-1804; Capt.,Va. Militia John Breckinridge, 1801-5; Subaltern, Va. Militia George Walker, 1814; Pvt., Morgan's Rifle Corps John Adair, 1805-6; Brig. Gen., S.C. Line Presented by Ky. Soc. Sons of the Revolution.
Old State Capitol, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2299
Captain Daniel Weisiger III. Capt. Daniel Weisiger III, 1763-1829- Early Frankfort merchant, farmer, county clerk, city trustee, first postmaster, and host of Weisiger House. 1st Master of Hiram Masonic Lodge. He married Lucy Price and fathered 10 children, including Dr. Joseph Weisiger, first white male born in Frankfort. Grandfather of 3 Civil War generals. (Reverse) Weisiger House, “at the Sign of the Golden Eagle”- Tunstall’s Tavern was enlarged to become Weisiger House, ca. 1790s. Social & political gathering place in Frankfort. On May 9, 1825, a grand ball was held to honor Gen. Lafayette. After Daniel’s death, Lucy managed inn & stage stop for over a decade. City bought it in 1852 & built Capital Hotel here.
Main and Ann Sts., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2028
Hiram Lodge #4 F. & A.M.. Chartered on December 11, 1799, by Virginia, as Hiram Lodge No. 57. It was renamed Hiram Lodge No. 4 on September 8, 1800, when the Grand Lodge of Kentucky was formed. The Ann Street lot was purchased on May 20, 1892; cornerstone laid April 1893; and dedicated on June 11, 1896. Presented by Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons - Hiram #4. (Reverse) Hiram Lodge #4 F. & A.M. - Past members of Hiram Lodge #4 include Richard M. Johnson, U.S. vice president, 1837-41; Amos Kendall, U.S. postmaster general, 1835-40; Colonel John Allen, Grand Master, killed War of 1812; Judge George M. Bibb, Kentucky Court of Appeals, U.S. senator. Presented by Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons - Hiram #4.
308 Ann St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1710
First Christian Church. Organized December 2, 1832, by noted minister and educator Philip S. Fall, aided by John T. Johnson. Services held at various locations until 1842 when church erected on this site. Alexander Campbell preached here. Church burned, 1870; Emily T. Tubman gave money to erect second building. Part of it utilized in present edifice, completed, 1924. Presented by First Christian Church.
316 Ann St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2212
Lewis and Clark- Lewis & Shieheke and William Clark in Frankfort. Meriwether Lewis, coleader of the 1803-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition, was in Frankfort from Nov. 13-15, 1806. Party included Mandan Chief Sheheke and family and delegation of Osage Indians. Group traveling to Washington to visit Pres. Thos. Jefferson. Over. (Reverse) William Clark, coleader of the 1803-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition, visited frankfort many times. On Oct. 29, 1809, he confirmed the death of Meriwether Lewis and discussed it with Christopher Greenup, Charles Scott, and others while passing through Frankfort on way to Washington.
325 Ann Street, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2215
Lewis and Clark in Kentucky- Frankfort Newspapers. Ky. newspapers were a major means of reporting news regarding the 1803-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean. Of special importance were the Frankfort papers The Palladium and The Western World. Both carried news of the explorers' return. Over. (Reverse) The October 2 and 9, 1806 issues of The Palladium ran the first printed accounts of the return of Lewis and Clark, noting that the explorers arrived "in very good health." The journey's details were then circulated nationally.
St. Clair Mall, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1535
First Baptist Church. Second church in city; organized, February 25, 1816, with 13 members. Met in homes, then in House of Public Worship on southwest corner of Old Capitol square. An early pastor, Silas M. Noel, helped to establish Georgetown College. He was followed by the Rev. Porter Clay, brother of Henry Clay. First church was built on Lewis Street, 1827. It burned in 1867. Present site chosen, 1868.
201 St. Clair St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2057
Good Shepherd Church. An active Catholic presence was established in Frankfort in 1808 with Reverend Angier as priest. In 1820s mass was offered at house on Broadway, opposite Capitol. In 1835 worship held in house near railroad tunnel; in 1837 Bishop Flaget of Bardstown purchased house for Catholics on corner of Broadway and High St. Presented by Good Shepherd Church. (Reverse) Good Shepherd Church - By 1837 the Catholic community was formally called St. Patrick Mission. Ten years later there was an influx of German and Irish immigrants to Frankfort. A permanent pastor, Father J.M. Lancaster, was appointed in 1848. The property on Wapping Street was purchased in 1849. Congregation was renamed Good Shepherd with the dedication of the church in 1850.
310 Wapping St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1476
First Methodist Church. Organized by Rev. William Holman in 1821. First Methodist Conference in Kentucky, 1790, made Frankfort, then a frontier station, part of the Lexington Circuit. The first small church built on Ann Steet. Present site of church purchased, 1856; building completed, 1858. Bishops H. H. Kavanaugh and E. L. Tullis served as pastors of church. Presented by John B. Browning Memorial Class.
211 Washington St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1537
The Church of the Ascension. In January 1836 the first Bishop of Kentucky, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Bosworth Smith, received from the Church of the Ascension on Canal Street in New York City a "gift or loan" to found an Episcopal Church in Frankfort. The present church building was erected in 1850 with funds donated by Judge John Harris Hanna, first president of the Farmers Bank. Over. (Reverse) The Church of the Ascension - First full-time rector was the Reverend John N. Norton. Throughout the Civil War, the parish remained united. The parish founded first free school for the poor in Frankfort and furnished a home for orphans from 1859 to 1939 on this site. It sponsored the first library in Frankfort. Many of Kentucky's Governors have worshipped here. See over.
311 Washington St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2406
Garden Hall. This Georgian home was built by Graham Vreeland in 1913. He was founder, publisher, & editor of the Frankfort News, which later became the State Journal. The architect was D. X. Murphy, who designed the grandstand and twin spires at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Artist Paul Sawyier lived on this property from 1910-12.
417 Wapping St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2167
Emma Guy Cromwell (1865-1952). The first woman in Kentucky elected to statewide office, Cromwell was elected sec. of state in 1923. She held many political positions during a long career. Chosen state librarian in 1896 by legislature; was elected treasurer in 1927. Served as dir. of state parks, dir. of archives & state librarian. (Reverse) A political pioneer, Cromwell encouraged women to follow her in “bla[ing] a trail for a new day for women when they can stand side by side with men in governing our great country.” She called Simpson, Allen, and Warren counties “home” but lived her adult life in Frankfort, where she died, July 19,1952.
122 West State St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2061
The Frankfort Barracks. The barracks, established in April 1871, and the command moved here in December of that year. Buildings were erected on Alexander Goldsmith Brawner's five acres known as Coleman's Spring lot. Post consisted of barracks, guardhouse, baking oven, and two one-story hospitals. Presented by Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation. (Reverse) The Frankfort Barracks - The purpose of the barracks was to provide a military presence and the protection of African Americans in the area. The post quartered members of the 4th and later the 16th U.S. Inf. Regiments. The Frankfort Barracks District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Presented by Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation.
Shelby & New Sts., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #2025
Site of Winnie A. Scott Hospital. The Women's Club Hospital Company, with community support, established a hospital here on Dec. 26, 1915. It was named for Winnie A. Scott, a local teacher instrumental in its founding. The facility was the only Frankfort hospital serving African Americans until desegregation of King's Daughters Hospital in 1959. Presented by Frankfort Civic Organizations and the Ky. African American Heritage Commission.
228 E. 2nd St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1649
Offutt-Cole Tavern. Site first owned by Hancock Taylor, early surveyor. Features of log section date it to 1780s-1790s. Major John Lee lived here, then leased to Horatio Offutt, who built brick section, 1802, for use as tavern. He rented building to John Kennedy and William Dailey, who opened famous stagecoach inn, 1804. Tavern operated by Richard Cole, Jr., 1812-1839. See over. (Reverse) Offutt-Cole Tavern - Richard Cole, Jr.'s son, James, was father of Zerelda (Cole) James, mother of notorious Jesse and Frank James. Tavern later known as "Black Horse Tavern." It was operated as a tollgate house, 1848-80. Owned by Lexington, Versailles and Midway Road Co.; acquired by McCabe family in 1916 which deeded property to Woodford Co. Historical Society, 1979, for restoration. Over.
Nugent's Cross Roads, Old Frankfort Pike & US 62, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1464
First Baptist Church. Organized in 1833, issuing from an integrated worship, this church was established by John Ward and Ziah Black. Ward donated first lot. Members worshipped in private homes before occupying the first structure. Construction for present church began, 1904. Distinguished religious, educational, and civic leaders have held membership here.
100 West Clinton St., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1154
An Eminent Statesman. John Jordan Crittenden, 1787-1863, lived here, 1819-1863. Legislator, 15th Kentucky Governor. Attorney General under three Presidents. Five times a U.S. Senator. Noted for Crittenden Compromise, 1860, futile effort to avert Civil War and preserve the Union. His last words: "Let all the ends thou aimest at be thy country's, thy God's and truth's." See over. (Reverse) Crittenden House - This building, before west portion was added, was the home of John J. Crittenden, 1819 until death, 1863. Built in 1800 by Dr. Joseph Scott on land once owned by Aaron Burr. In May, 1837, Daniel Webster and family visited here. In Feb. 1849, President-elect Zachary Taylor was guest here on way to inauguration. Carriage step is from the first Kentucky state capitol. Over.
Main & Washington Sts., Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0819
Morehead House. Built by Mark Hardin, Registrar, Ky. Land Office, in 1810. Before Civil War, home of six prominent Kentuckians; among whom were John Harvie, Pres., Bank of Ky., and, for 13 years, Charles S. Morehead, Governor (1855-59). Lawrence Tobin acquired it in 1874 and it was held by heirs to 1961. He built railroad, Lexington to Louisville, and was local merchant 48 years.
Main & Washington, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #1987
Labrot & Graham Distillery. One of Kentucky's oldest working distilleries was built on Grassy Springs Branch of Glenn's Creek by Elijah Pepper about 1812. His son, Oscar Pepper, later hired Dr. James Crow as master distiller. Crow perfected the art of bourbon making by introducing scientific methods. The Labrot & Graham Distillery succeeded Old Pepper's in 1878. Presented by Brown-Forman Corp.
Jct. US 60 & Grassy Spring Road, Frankfort, KY, United States
Kentucky Historical Marker #0105
Frankfort. Site surveyed July 16, 1773. Founded by General James Wilkinson. Chartered by Virginia Legislature Oct. 1786. Chosen Capital of Kentucky December 1792.
Near cemetery, E. Main St., Frankfort, KY, United States