Frankfort,
Kentucky
is in the
Bluegrass Region of Central Kentucky. It received its name in 1780
when Indians attacked a group of pioneers from Bryan’s Station, who were
making salt at a ford in the Kentucky River. Stephen Frank, one of the
pioneers, was killed, and the crossing became known as “Frank’s Ford.”
Later this name was shortened to Frankfort. Frankfort is not only the
county seat of
Franklin County it has been the state capital of Kentucky since
1792. Situated on a double curve in the
Kentucky River, Frankfort’s fifteen square miles is considered one
of the most picturesque state capitals in the United States.
In the
early 1800’s, shortly after becoming the state capital, Frankfort
quickly transformed into a viable commerce center. Numerous factories
were built which produced cloth, glass, and hemp products, farm
implements, fishing reels and steamboats. Being on the Kentucky River
helped not only the merchants, but the farmers as well. Manufactured
goods and fresh produce were transported on the Kentucky River to
anxious markets along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The Civil War
took its toll on Frankfort, but the area’s economy rebounded in the
early 1900’s.
Distilleries, meatpacking, flour milling, and lumber mills helped
reestablish Frankfort, KY as a commerce center.
As reported in
Census 2000 there are 27,741 people living in Frankfort. This figure
has remained in and around the 27,000 mark since 1990. Population
density is 1,883 persons per square mile. The median income per
household in the city of Frankfort is $34,980, on par with the
Kentucky state average. Per capita income is $20,512.
Businesses in Frankfort, Kentucky have a strong and active
Chamber of
Commerce as a partner. They offer personalized assistance in the
form of their Capital Community Economic/Industrial
Development Authority.
Economic Development is always a partnership of resources, and that
sharing is personified in the
Frankfort Convention Center. A
Commonwealth of Kentucky enterprise partnered with the
Frankfort
Tourism Commission,
Downtown
Frankfort, Inc., and
Frankfort Chamber
of Commerce. Located in Historic Downtown Frankfort, this center’s
resources are dedicated to providing professional management services to
the conventions, meetings and special event industry, and serving as a
first-class venue for sporting events and concerts.
Kentucky’s capital community is centrally located and easily
accessible. It is the perfect destination to explore history and
discover the breathtakingly beautiful
Bluegrass Region. If you are visiting Frankfort, plan to see the
native flora and fauna at the
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Game Farm and
Salato Wildlife Education Center. Bird watchers will be particularly
interested in the
Clyde F. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary-Trust, a 374-acre haven with
hiking trails, bird blind, and a nature center operated by the
National Audubon
Society. Paddle sport enthusiasts will want to book a kayak, canoe,
or rafting trip down the scenic
Elkhorn Creek or Kentucky River with expert outfitters and guides at
Canoe Kentucky or
Still Waters Canoe Trails.
Additionally, A Little Bit of Heaven Country Retreat offers horseback
riding and guided tours, and
Lakeside Arena
presents horse shows, sales and exhibits. Frankfort, KY’s public golf
courses are excellent, and
Riverview Park and other locations present scenic trails for walking
or jogging.
Frankfort’s charming downtown district is rich in historical
buildings and sites. Explore state of the art displays and interactive
exhibits or dig up your own Kentucky roots in the amazing
Kentucky
History Center. Depending on your particular interests, you might
also visit the Capitol Building and grounds, the
Governor’s
Mansion, the
Kentucky Military Museum, the
Kentucky River Museum, or the historical and well-maintained
Liberty Hall and
Orlando Brown Houses. When you’re ready to dine, a myriad of
restaurants and menus await you.
Franklin County, KY provides the community with above average
educational opportunities with their
county wide
facilities. Six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high
schools are complimented by the
Franklin County Career and Technical Center. The city of Frankfort
itself has its own
Frankfort
Independent School District that is considered quite progressive and
state of the art. Frankfort also has a private high school, the
Frankfort
Christian Academy.
Frankfort, Kentucky is home to the
Kentucky State University,
which offers unique and outstanding state government student internships
that cannot be matched by any other higher education institution. KSU
also offers a supplementary internship program, in which pre-law
students gain experience and earn academic credits as interns in the
Office of the State Attorney
General. In its curricula, services, and outreach, Kentucky State
University prepares leaders.
Frankfort, Kentucky remains one of the most unique and picturesque of
the state capitals. Steeped in a rich history and nestled in one of the
most beautiful river valleys in the nation, Frankfort is the epitome of
southern charm and grace.
