Frankfort Chosen as State Capital
Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Frankfort Chosen as Capital. After Kentucky became a state, five commissioners were appointed on June 20, 1792, to choose a location for the state capital. They were John Allen and John Edwards (both from Bourbon Co.), Henry Lee (Mason Co.), Thomas Kennedy (Madison Co.), and Robert Todd (Fayette Co.). A number of communities competed for this honor, but Frankfort won by perseverance and, according to early histories, the offer of Andrew Holmes' log house as capitol for seven years, a number of town lots, £50 worth of locks and hinges, 10 boxes of glass, 1500 pounds of nails, and $3000 in gold. (Reverse) Frankfort Chosen as Capital - Other contenders for the honor of being selected as the permanent seat of Kentucky state government had offered, as was customary, lists of contributions. These hopeful towns were Legerwood's Bend (Mercer County), Delany's Ferry and Petersburg (Woodford County), Louisville, Lexington, Leestown, and Frankfort. After thorough examination of all sites, the commissioners, following a majority vote, met with the legislature in Lexington on December 5, 1792, and gave their recommendation-that Frankfort was the most suitable site for the state capital. See over.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Soon after Kentucky achieved statehood, five commissioners were appointed in June 1792 to select a seat of government. A number of towns competed, but Frankfort prevailed—thanks to persistence and a generous package that reportedly included Andrew Holmes' log house for use as a capitol, town lots, hardware, glass, nails, and gold. The commissioners gave their recommendation to the legislature in December 1792.
Why it matters
The bidding war captures how frontier communities courted the prestige and prosperity of hosting a new state's government.
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Related people
- · John Allen
- · John Edwards
- · Andrew Holmes
Related events
- · Selection of Kentucky's state capital, 1792
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Frankfort, Kentucky's Capital
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Surveyed in 1773 and founded by General James Wilkinson, Frankfort grew on the Kentucky River as pioneers streamed into the Bluegrass. Chartered by Virginia in 1786 and named Kentucky's capital in December 1792, the little river town won out over larger rivals to become the permanent seat of government. It has anchored the commonwealth's public life ever since.
Franklin County, 1795
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Franklin County was formed in 1795 from parts of Woodford, Mercer, and Shelby counties, three years after Kentucky became a state with Frankfort as its capital. The legislature had already met in the area, and in 1795 Frankfort was made the county seat. The county honors Benjamin Franklin, one of the architects of American independence.
Early South Frankfort
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This ground was part of a 500-acre grant made in 1782 to Revolutionary War soldier George Campbell, who had campaigned with George Rogers Clark. For decades South Frankfort stood as a separate town (1810–1850), and the survey passed through the hands of legislators, state officials, and philanthropists. The Queen Anne house here was raised by John Meagher in 1889–90.
Capt. Daniel Weisiger III & Weisiger House
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