Honest Abe has deep ties to the Bluegrass State, a point of pride for many Kentuckians and a fascinating topic for historians. If you know anything about Kentucky history, then hopefully you know that Abraham Lincoln was born in the Bluegrass State. There are many dedicated areas where you can learn about Lincoln’s early life in the Bluegrass, from the Lincoln Homestead State Park to a replica of his birthplace at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville. Kentucky’s capital city, too, is home to an homage to the 16th U.S. President. Nestled in the hallowed halls of the Kentucky State Capitol, there is a 14-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln; a commanding monolith that you really need to see in person.
The Kentucky State Capitol is located in Frankfort and housers the three branches of state government for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It’s a stately building that anchors the city, a place full not only of history and political significance, but also natural beauty.
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Kentucky’s Capitol as it exists today is actually 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.
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The architect was Frank Mills Andrews, a native of Iowa who practiced in Chicago, New York City, Cincinnati, and Dayton. A distinguished architect, Andrews was a proponent of the Beaux-Arts style, and many striking architectural features and opulent flourishes in Kentucky’s Capitol reflect this French design influence.
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But nothing within the Capitol’s halls is as distinguished nor striking as the 14-foot-tall statue of our 16th President.
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Located in the Capitol’s Rotunda, this massive statue of Abraham Lincoln is made of bronze on serpentine green marble pedestal, and was dedicated in 1911.
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The statue commemorates Kentucky’s most famous son, and bears a striking likeness to Lincoln that’s a bit uncanny.
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We all know Lincoln was tall, but this statue takes Honest Abe to new heights, truly capturing his larger-than-life presence – and legacy.
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Of course, Lincoln isn’t the only legendary Kentuckian honored in the Capitol; there is a large mural in the East lunette, above the entrance to the House Chamber, that depicts Daniel Boone’s first view of the Bluegrass region in 1769.
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The Kentucky State Capitol is a beautiful building that really is the sum of its parts. What awaits inside its doors is an immersive lesson in history every Kentuckian ought to have.
Visit Frankfort/Facebook Plan your visit to the Kentucky State Capitol – and Mr. Lincoln himself! – by visiting Kentucky.gov.
Looking for more historic adventures in Frankfort, Kentucky? This city truly is one big Kentucky history lesson!
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Kentucky.gov
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Plan your visit to the Kentucky State Capitol – and Mr. Lincoln himself! – by visiting Kentucky.gov.
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Address: Kentucky State Capitol, 700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
