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 building in Frankfort, the capital city. It was the third building where the government of Kentucky met. From 1830 to 1910, the Kentucky General Assembly (which is like the state's parliament) used this building to make laws. Today, it serves as a museum and is home to 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.
Contents
Building the Capitol: A Young Architect's Dream
The idea for this building started in 1827 when the Kentucky legislature decided it was time to build a new capitol. They chose Gideon Shryock, a young architect from Lexington, Kentucky, to design it. He was only 25 years old at the time, and this was his very first big project!
Greek Revival Style: Linking Past and Present
Shryock designed the Old State Capitol in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular because it copied the look of ancient Greek temples. Shryock wanted to connect Kentucky, which was a young state, with ancient Greece. Greece was seen as the birthplace of democracy, where people had a say in their government. He even wanted the front of the building to look like the Temple of Minerva Polias in Greece.
Because Greek temples didn't have windows on the front, the Old State Capitol's front also has no windows. This makes it look very grand and formal. Inside, you can see other cool features like a stone staircase that seems to float without support. There's also a dome-shaped roof section called a lantern above the stairs, which lets in lots of sunlight.
A Moment in History: The Goebel Plaque
The Old State Capitol has seen many important events. One notable moment happened during a very close election for governor in 1899. A political leader named William Goebel was shot near the building's entrance in 1900. A special plaque is now placed there. It reads: "William Goebel fell here, Jan. 30th, 1900." This plaque reminds visitors of this significant event in Kentucky's history.
The Capitol Today: A Living Museum
After the new Kentucky State Capitol was built in 1910, the Old State Capitol found a new purpose. Since 1920, it has been a museum, allowing people to step back in time and learn about Kentucky's past. It also houses the Kentucky Historical Society, which works to preserve and share the state's history. Visiting the Old State Capitol is a great way to explore Kentucky's rich heritage and see how its government once worked.
See also
