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Begun in 1905 and completed in 1910, Kentucky's massive State Capitol building is known as one of the most beautiful, and awe-inspiring, statehouses in the nation. Take a guided tour through the capitol building or download one of the walking tour brochures to do on your own.
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Kentucky Old State Capitol Tour Tips
I have lived in Kentucky my whole life and visited the city of Frankfort multiple times. I’ve even toured the State Capitol, but until last week I’ve never been inside the Kentucky Old State Capitol. On a recent trip to Frankfort, I checked that off my Kentucky bucket list when we toured the Kentucky Historical Society . Thanks to tour guide Roger for sharing some interesting trivia information and making our tour so memorable.
This post includes affiliate links. This post is not affiliated with any organization and is strictly my own opinions.
Each of the tours is guided by a museum volunteer who knows the history of the Old State Capitol. Our tour guide Roger did a great job bringing the history of the location and architecture of the building to life.
Govenor William Goebel Claim to Fame
The statue of Governor William Goebel stands in front of the KY Old State Capitol and serves as a reminder of this piece of Kentucky history.
Kentucky’s 34th Governor was the only Governor to be assassinated – Northern Kentucky’s own William Goebel of Covington. In addition to being the only Kentucky who was assassinated, he was the only Kentucky Governor who never married.
Not only can you see the place he was shot, but our tour guide told us about where the shooter was positioned. If you go to the Kentucky Historical Society Museum, you can see the actual jacket the Governor was wearing when he was shot.
Old State Capitol Architecture
I am not very knowledgable in the topic of architecture but I do appreciate beautiful design. The unique self-supporting staircase is a beautiful place for photographs and a chance to learn about the Kentucky native architect Gideon Shryock.
Tour of the Old State Capitol
The tour takes you through each of the rooms of the Old State Capitol. The library had a fascinating story behind the featured desk. Could there be a secret compartment hidden that no one has ever found? Don’t know about you, but I think that could make another great sequel to National Treasure . They could call it National Treasure: Old State Capitol Secrets
Learn about the Senate & House Chambers as you continue your tour upstairs.
Be amazed at the ornate detail of the original chandeliers.
Enjoy the artifacts still on display in the Coatroom and old library.
Have you ever visited the Old State Capitol? What do you love the most? I’d love to hear!
Planning your trip to Frankfort? Don’t miss these free things to do in Frankfort !
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Last updated: October 18, 2023
Kentucky State Capitol
Top ways to experience Kentucky State Capitol and nearby attractions
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Kentucky State Capitol - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Documentary explores construction of Kentucky State Capitol
In 1900, Kentucky Governor J.C.W. Beckham lobbied the State Legislature on the need for a new Kentucky State Capitol in downtown Frankfort. Architect Frank Mills Andrews drew up a grandiose plan, and 36 acres of farmland overlooking the Kentucky River was purchased. Over the next nine years, the people watched in wonder as the towering dome took shape, rising above the building’s sprawling terraces and surrounding gardens.
Kentucky’s State Capitol , a new half-hour documentary from KET, tells the fascinating story of how the Kentucky State Capitol was designed and constructed more than 120 years ago. The documentary also includes a tour of the grand, old building, with a behind-the-scenes look at many of its landscaping and architectural details.
Kentucky’s State Capitol airs Monday, Aug. 23, at 9/8 pm on KET and on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 9/8 pm on KET2.
Relatedly, KET has created new online resources that bolster students’ understanding of Kentucky’s government as well as other civics topics:
Social Studies Shorts
Narrated by News Quiz host Kelsey Starks, this video series introduces students in grades 4-8 to key social studies and civics topics, all tailored to Kentucky academic standards. Episodes cover topics such as U.S. presidential inaugurations, the Kentucky General Assembly, the branches of government and how a bill becomes a law.
Capitol Field Trip
A three-video series that takes a visual tour of the Commonwealth’s government history, including the Capitol building’s architecture as well as the art and sculptures that decorate its grounds. Students get a closeup look at the Rotunda, the State Reception Room, the legislative chambers, the First Ladies in Miniature doll collection and more.
Kentucky’s State Capitol is a KET production, produced by Tom Bickel and funded in part by the KET Endowment for Kentucky Productions. The virtual Capitol tours are funded in part by the W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Endowment for the Arts. Social Studies Shorts is funded in part by the John R. Hall Endowment for Education.
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Ky. lawmakers return for final day of legislative session.
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Lawmakers in Kentucky are returning to the state capitol Monday for the last day of the 2024 legislative session.
During this time, lawmakers are looking to override more of Governor Andy Beshear's vetoes.
A head of the weekend, Republicans in the statehouse already pushed several overrides thorough including House Bill 7, which allows self-driving cars and trucks on Kentucky's roads, and House Bill 5, the sweeping crime bill known as the Safer Kentucky Act.
Lawmakers have until the end of the day Monday to override any additional vetoes.
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For tours or additional information about the New State Capitol, contact the tour guide's desk at (502) 564-3449. Security The following measures are in place for the safety of visitors to the Kentucky State Capitol: A valid photo ID is required to enter the Capitol building.
700 Capital Avenue. Frankfort, Ky 40601. Please contact 502-564-3449 for more information. Kentucky's Capitol is the fourth permanent building since statehood in 1792. It was built to replace the earlier 1830 capitol, still standing in downtown Frankfort, which had become inadequate to accommodate the growing state government.
Visit the Capitol - and ask for Scott as your tour guide! Sep 2023 • Solo. The Kentucky State Capitol is a beautiful building that is well worth a guided tour. Last Tuesday, our guide Scott, a former U.S. history teacher, gave us a thorough and fascinating tour of the building and grounds.
Ky.gov An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Kentucky Capitol Menu. The State Capitol; Historic Overview; Visitor Info; Timeline
702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601. P: (502) 564-3449. Visit Website E-mail. Begun in 1905 and completed in 1910, Kentucky's massive State Capitol building is known as one of the most beautiful, and awe-inspiring, statehouses in the nation. Take a guided tour through the capitol building or download one of the walking tour brochures to do ...
700 Capital Ave., Frankfort, KY 40601. Kentucky's Capitol is the fourth permanent building since statehood in 1792. It was built to replace the earlier 1830 capitol, still standing in downtown Frankfort, which had become inadequate to accommodate the growing state government. A long and bitter quarrel among Louisville, Lexington and Frankfort ...
Kentucky Old State Capitol Tour Tips. Each of the tours is guided by a museum volunteer who knows the history of the Old State Capitol. Our tour guide Roger did a great job bringing the history of the location and architecture of the building to life. Govenor William Goebel Claim to Fame.
Come Learn, Meet and Explore! Three sites. Endless Kentucky stories. Discover your place in Kentucky history at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky Military History Museum. has full accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and is a founding member of the History Relevance Campaign.
The Kentucky State Capitol is nestled within expansive sloped parkland, with trees all along the perimeter. Renovations in 1984 led to the reestablishment of the original Olmsted design, including a circular entry drive and brick terraces surrounding the building. As with many Olmsted-designed landscapes being reworked, the plans stored at ...
The documentary tells the fascinating story of how the Kentucky State Capitol was designed and constructed more than 120 years ago. The program also includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the building, including its towering dome, beautiful terraces and surrounding gardens. Watch now. Season 1 Episode 1 Length 28:31 Premiere: 08/25/21.
The Kentucky State Capitol is a beautiful building that is well worth a guided tour. Last Tuesday, our guide Scott, a former U.S. history teacher, gave us a thorough and fascinating tour of the building and grounds. His knowledge of the building's architecture and history, as well as the functioning of the Kentucky legislature, made for a ...
The Division of Historic Properties (DHP) is responsible for the preservation, conservation, and cyclical maintenance of The New State Capitol, The Executive Mansion, The Old Governor's Mansion, Berry Mansion, and the Vest-Lindsey House in Frankfort, Kentucky. as mandated by KRS 42.014, KRS 11.026 and 11.027, as well as other Finance-owned historic properties.
The Kentucky State Capitol was built in 1910 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Japanese Zelkova. This tree is an Asian cousin to America's native elm tree, and is popular because of its resistance to Dutch elm disease and its tolerance of urban conditions. Kentucky Coffee Tree Marker.
Kentucky's State Capitol, a new half-hour documentary from KET, tells the fascinating story of how the Kentucky State Capitol was designed and constructed more than 120 years ago. The documentary also includes a tour of the grand, old building, with a behind-the-scenes look at many of its landscaping and architectural details.
Students explore Kentucky's legislative branch and discover who makes the rules in Kentucky and the Old State Capitol's use in the 19th century. The Old State Capitol was Kentucky's statehouse from 1830 to 1910. This is a guided tour. Length: 45 minutes; Group Size: Up to 60
Lawmakers in Kentucky are returning to the state capitol Monday for the last day of the 2024 legislative session. During this time, lawmakers are looking to override more of Governor Andy Beshear ...
A RESOLUTION honoring Richard and Teresa Gilbert, the first ever parents of sisters serving concurrently in the Kentucky General Assembly. Bill Documents: Current/Final Introduced : Bill Request Number: 2560: Sponsor: A. Southworth: Summary of Original Version
A Self-Guided Tour of the KENTUCKY STATE CAPITOL Frankfort, Kentucky At times the Capitol may be under repairs to ensure that it remains a proud symbol of Kentucky. Portions of the building may be closed to tours. Please accept our apology for any inconvenience. Printed with State Funds (KRS 57.375) by the Kentucky Department of Travel