Frankfort

Frankfort is a capital city in Franklin County in Kentucky in the United States situated along the Kentucky River. The town occupies both banks of the river with government buildings, neighborhoods, and green spaces spread across rolling hills and valleys.

The town was founded in 1786 by James Wilkinson and named after an early settler killed at the river crossing. Kentucky chose it as the capital in 1792 because of its central location and river access.

Kentucky State University, established in 1886 as a land-grant institution, shapes the educational landscape of Frankfort through research and community programs.

The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, with many government buildings and museums located close to each other. Streets in the older parts of town can be narrow and steep, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.

The town sits in a bend of the Kentucky River, which creates a natural boundary and has shaped urban development for centuries. Several historic distilleries still use the river's limestone-filtered water for spirit production.

Location: Franklin County

Inception: 1786

Elevation above the sea: 155 m

Website: http://frankfort.ky.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.19700,-84.86300

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:03