Christians of the Episcopal/Anglican tradition have worshiped on the site of the Church of the Ascension since 1836. The current gothic revival church building was begun in 1848. The building was completed in 1852. In 1868 the apse and transept were added. The parish house was constructed in 1899, and the education wing was added…
Architecture
Discover the rich architecture that Frankfort offers on this tour. From historic building to modern stained glass, you will experience the wide variety of styles and mediums.
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church of Frankfort, was founded in 1816 and was originally an integrated congregation. However, in 1833, some white members of the church thought it was wise to separate the races, creating two First Baptists – one white and one black. Although this First Baptist was chartered in 1833, the members did not have…
Hathaway Hall
Hathaway Hall, constructed in 1967, is the primary classroom building at Kentucky State University. In 1968 it became the first building in Kentucky to win an Institute Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects. It was considered by many to be the most advanced piece of architecture in the state of Kentucky. Designed in…
Kentucky Floral Clock
The giant clock is a 34-foot wide planter that weighs 100 tons and is suspended above a reflective pool of water. The clock face is composed of more than 10,000 flowers that are grown in greenhouses near the state capitol. The minute hand is 20 feet long, and the hour hand is 15 feet long.…
Liberty Hall Historic Site
Located on the banks of the Kentucky River, Liberty Hall Historic Site was home to the Browns, one of Kentucky’s most important families who were leaders in politics, community, business and education and also appreciated fine art and architecture. The two homes located on the site, Liberty Hall and the Orlando Brown House, are both…
Old Federal Building
Built of Kentucky and Indiana limestone in 1887, the Old Federal building in the Second Empire style served first as the federal courthouse, then as a post office, and most recently as the Paul Sawyier Public Library. The harbor master was located on the top floor because of the excellent view of the Kentucky River.…
Pediment on the State Capitol
The Kentucky State Capitol boasts an impressive collection of public art, starting with the Capitol building itself. Dedicated in 1910, the Capitol combines elements of classical Greek architecture with highly ornate French styling in a Beaux Arts style. The pediment of the front portico, designed by Charles Niehaus, is richly sculpted with allegorical figures. The…
St. John AME Church
St. John A.M.E. Church was established in Frankfort in 1839, though the present church was built in 1893, designed by Professor Moses Davis, an instructor of mechanical art at the Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute, now Kentucky State University. The pastor of the church was the brick-mason. The early members of this African Methodist Episcopal…
The Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol introduced Greek Revival architecture to the United States west of the Appalachian Mountains. With its portico and fluted columns, it made the statement that Kentucky was a progressive state, looking to the future. Built of Kentucky River limestone, it features a rotunda on top, which floods the interior of the building…
Trees of Kentucky
When the Paul Sawyier Public Library moved from the Old Federal Building into its new facility in 2006, it was only natural that the new building include art. After all, it is named for one of Kentucky’s most renowned artists, impressionist painter, Paul Sawyier. Laura Mentor, who created the stained-glass, was struck by Sawyier’s love…
Ziegler House
Completed in 1910, the Prairie Style Zeigler house is the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed structure in the state of Kentucky. Frank Lloyd Wright is considered the greatest of the 20th Century American Architects. Originally built for the Rev. Jesse R. Zeigler, the house has a lighted stained-glass case surrounding the fireplace at the ceiling.…