Southeast

Frankfort, KY

Capital of Kentucky

Kentucky State Capitol Building

Overview

Frankfort is the capital city of Kentucky, located in the Southeast region of the United States. Founded in 1786, the city has grown to a population of approximately 28,602 residents within a state of 4,505,836 people. As the seat of Kentucky's state government, Frankfort serves as the political and administrative center of the state.

The city is home to the Kentucky State Capitol, a Beaux-Arts structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1910. Designed by Frank Mills Andrews, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

Frankfort has served as the capital of Kentucky since 1792.

Kentucky State Capitol

The Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort is a stately Beaux-Arts building constructed of limestone and granite, with a grand exterior staircase and Ionic columns. Its interior features a lavish use of marble, murals, and sculptures, including works depicting notable Kentuckians such as Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. The building sits on a bluff overlooking the Kentucky River, providing picturesque views.

Design Inspiration

Neoclassical with Beaux-Arts elements

Year Built
1910
Architect
Frank Mills Andrews
Architectural Style
Beaux-Arts
Dome / Tower Height
215 ft
Building Area
233,000 sq ft
National Register
Listed

Notable Features

  • Beaux-Arts design with Ionic columns and limestone exterior
  • Lavish marble interior sourced from Vermont and Italy
  • Rotunda murals and statues of notable Kentuckians
  • Overlooks the Kentucky River from a scenic bluff
  • State Floral Clock on the grounds (one of the largest in the world)
  • Grand staircase modeled after the Paris Opera House

Media Gallery

Kentucky State Capitol Building

Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.

Fun Facts & Trivia

  • Kentucky's grand staircase was modeled after the staircase in the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier).
  • Frankfort is one of the smallest state capitals by population in the U.S., with fewer than 30,000 residents.
  • The State Floral Clock on the capitol grounds is 34 feet in diameter and contains over 10,000 plants.
  • Kentucky is the birthplace of both Abraham Lincoln (the 16th President) and Jefferson Davis (the President of the Confederacy).
  • Daniel Boone is buried in the Frankfort Cemetery overlooking the Kentucky River and the capitol.
  • Frankfort was named after an event in which Stephen Frank was killed at a ford on the Kentucky River -- 'Frank's Ford.'