The Frankfort Barracks
Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
The Frankfort Barracks. The barracks, established in April 1871, and the command moved here in December of that year. Buildings were erected on Alexander Goldsmith Brawner's five acres known as Coleman's Spring lot. Post consisted of barracks, guardhouse, baking oven, and two one-story hospitals. Presented by Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation. (Reverse) The Frankfort Barracks - The purpose of the barracks was to provide a military presence and the protection of African Americans in the area. The post quartered members of the 4th and later the 16th U.S. Inf. Regiments. The Frankfort Barracks District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Presented by Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Established in 1871 on land known as Coleman's Spring lot, the Frankfort Barracks housed U.S. Army infantry — first the 4th and later the 16th Regiments — with barracks, a guardhouse, and two hospitals. Its purpose was to maintain a military presence and protect African Americans in the area during the volatile years of Reconstruction. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Why it matters
The post is a rare physical reminder that federal troops were stationed in the South specifically to defend the rights and safety of freed people after the Civil War.
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Related events
- · Reconstruction
Themes & tags
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