Thursday, March 21 2024
Frankfort strikes me as a strange capital city. Usually States with small cities as their capital want the city to represent the power and resources of the State and the lawmakers build impressive infrastructure and encourage business investment. That does not seem to apply in Frankfort. The downtown area seems almost forgotten with poor roads, ancient signage and little evidence of significant investment. There is only one large hotel operating in the downtown area and only 5 chain hotels in the whole city – out alongside the Interstate highway south of town. However, it does have two State Capitol buildings.
This is the Old State Capitol that was in use from 1830 to 1909 and now serves as the home of the State’s Historical Society. A large group of visitors was lined up for a private tour when I arrived so I did not go inside and headed for the New State Capitol that has served the state since 1910.
I was disappointed when I saw the scaffolding encasing the dome but headed inside to find a distinctive and attractive interior.
As usual, the Senate is in one wing and the House in the opposite wing and, in this case, you can view the entire length between them. There are far more decorative elements than in West Virginia and the appearance is better in reality than this picture represents.
Visitors are free to wonder around the House chamber and on one of the desks I found this bundle of all of the Legislative Records for the 52 day 2024 session stapled together like a book. It looks like the legislators were a lot more productive than the US Congress.
In addition to the legislative branch the building contains the Kentucky Supreme Court (above) and the Governor’s office, bringing together all three branches of the government.
An unusual feature was this State Reception Room which had a sign outside saying “No food or drinks allowed”. I’m guessing that disappears when the room is in use.
After that visit I drove to Louisville, KY and visited The Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. I had been here decades ago and remembered that I enjoyed the experience so decided to re-live it.
As the sign says, it has been 150 years since the first Kentucky Derby was run on May 17, 1875 and, since no year has been missed, the 150th running is this May. It is the most watched and best attended horse race in the US and is largely similar to the Epsom Derby, run in England since 1780. The most significant difference being that it is run on a dirt track, not grass.
Churchill Downs hosts about 750 races each year with 80% run on the dirt (sand) track. The white inner oval is plastic covering a grass track that is used for the rest of the races. It was originally installed in 1985 but is receiving a $10 million dollar upgrade this year to widen it and improve the durability of the turf.
The Museum houses an impressive oval theater that shows a 20 minute, 360 degree video showing the elements of training, preparing and riding a racehorse in the Kentucky Derby. In addition to normal display panels and cases there are several interactive activities that allow visitors to understand race day experiences, such as being a jockey or placing bets at the track.
I am moving on to the capital of Tennessee tomorrow but have already visited its Capitol so I will avoid taking you around yet another one.
I travel with you and see America!! Easy travel without leaving my house! Thankyou for the ride
I know you enjoy real travel but glad to have your virtual company.
You have been to places off the beaten path. You must write a book with your 10 favorite destinations in the US.
A book would need me to give places much more than the passing impressions I gain on road trips. Thanks for the idea but I’ll pass.
Well, I admit to completely forgetting that Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky. I sure that I had that fact down in fifth grade. I assumed it was Louisville.
I hope you don’t catch the weather front that seems to be heading your way. I’m looking forward to your time in Memphis, a place I know well.
I know I couldn’t have named Frankfort as the capital before prepping this trip. The weather forecast is not perfect but looks OK. Fingers crossed!
No eating in the Dining Room!
Crazy, but I obeyed 🙂
At first I was confused about what state you were even talking about. FWIW, people these days only like little bites of info. You could do a book. You cold call it Drive by with Steve”
Thanks for the encouragement, and I like the proposed title, but I, for one, would expect significantly more information than I post (or remember) if I bought a book. Researching what I want to do before a trip takes quite some time.