Visiting the Kentucky State Capitol Building, Frankfort KY

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Frankfort is a somewhat sleepy city located a few miles off the interstate. The “old” capitol building is in the downtown area within walking distance of the state and city museums. The current capitol building is a few miles away in a quiet residential type setting with free parking beneath shady trees. The capitol is atop a hill and visitors have to climb steps. Kentucky has been a state since 1792 and this is the fourth statehouse. Construction began in 1905 and completed in 1910. The structure is attractive in the classic beaux arts style by architect Frank Mills Andrews. The most striking feature are the 70 columns circling around the building. Base is Vermont granite with exterior Bedford limestone. The terra cotta dome rises 215 feet to the very top. Visitors enter the first floor. The governor’s office is directly across from the entrance. The rotunda is the primary feature to see with a statue of Kentucky native Abraham Lincoln standing dead center. Other statues stand in each corner. Amazingly that of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, remains for the time being. Look up 180 feet into the colorful dome interior. A bust of a notable Kentuckian flanks each wing. To the left is former governor A.B. “Happy” Chandler better known to baseball fans as MLB commissioner inducted into baseball’s hall of fame. To the right is Colonel Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame. An unusual exhibit are Kentucky’s first ladies presented in miniature doll form. Visitors go up a grand staircase to the second floor where the State Supreme Court is. The main corridor features 36 Vermont granite columns, colorful glass skylights and numerous historical themed murals. The Supreme Court features rich mahogany paneling. The State Reception Room has been restored to its original glory. Up on the third floor are the Senate and House of Representatives chambers. Not much to see there. Landscaping plans for the capitol grounds were never completed due to cost issues. The Governor’s Mansion opened in 1912 and State Annex in 1952. The highlights when exploring the grounds are the rose garden and giant showcase Kentucky Floral Clock. A large variety of trees have been planted including Kentucky’s official Christmas tree.