Old State Capitol (Kentucky) facts for kids
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Old State House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Old State Capitol of Kentucky in Frankfort
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | On Broadway, bounded by Madison, Clinton, and Lewis Sts., Frankfort, Kentucky |
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| Area | 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) |
| Built | 1837 |
| Architect | Gideon Shryock |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Part of | Frankfort Commercial Historic District (ID79000986) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000346 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | March 11, 1971 |
| Designated CP | May 10, 1979 |
The Old State Capitol in Kentucky, also known as Old Statehouse, is a very important historical building. It is located in Frankfort, which is the capital city of Kentucky. This grand building was once the main meeting place for Kentucky's government, the Kentucky General Assembly, from 1830 until 1910.
After a new Kentucky State Capitol was built in 1910, the Old State Capitol found a new purpose. Since 1920, it has been a museum and the home of the Kentucky Historical Society. It has been carefully restored to look like it did during the American Civil War era. Because of its amazing Greek Revival architecture, it was named a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1971. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showing its importance to American history.
Contents
Building the Old State Capitol
Designing a Landmark
Kentucky's lawmakers decided to build this capitol in 1827. They wanted a special building for their government. The design was created by Gideon Shryock, a talented young architect from Lexington, Kentucky. He was only twenty-five years old when he designed the Old State Capitol. This was his very first building project.
Greek Revival Style
Shryock chose the Greek Revival style for the building. This style was popular because it reminded people of ancient Greece. Greece was seen as the birthplace of democracy, where people had a say in their government. By using this style, Shryock wanted to connect Kentucky, a young state, with the old ideas of democratic government.
He wanted the front of the building to look like the Temple of Minerva Polias in an ancient Greek city called Priene. Greek temples usually did not have windows on the front. Because of this, the front of the Old State Capitol also has no windows. Other cool features inside include a stone staircase that seems to float without support. Above the staircase, there is a domed lantern that lets in lots of sunlight.
A Moment in History
The Goebel Plaque
The Old State Capitol was the site of a very important and sad event in Kentucky's history. In 1899, there was a very close election for state governor. This election caused a lot of disagreement. On January 30, 1900, William Goebel, who was running for governor, was shot near the capitol building. This happened as he was on his way to be sworn into office.
Today, a special plaque is placed near the front entrance of the building. It says, "William Goebel fell here, Jan. 30th, 1900." This plaque helps visitors remember this significant moment in Kentucky's past.
See also
