Kentucky War Memorial 🇺🇸

Located atop the elevated "State Mound" within Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Kentucky, the Kentucky War Memorial offers you a poignant place to reflect on the sacrifices of Kentuckians lost across all American conflicts. At the heart of the site stands a dramatic 65-foot granite column crowned by a statue of Victory, originally unveiled in 1850 over the grave sites of 17 soldiers who fell in the Battle of Buena Vista.

Surrounding this historic pillar, you will find a semi-circle of nine low stone monuments detailing conflict eras—spanning from the War of Independence to the Persian Gulf War—alongside two straight stone monuments inscribed with the names of Kentucky's fallen service members. As you walk around the four faces of the main 1850 column, examine the decorative bands engraved with historic battle sites like Blue Licks, Tippecanoe, Little Bighorn, and the River Raisin.

Each side displays foundational state inscriptions, including Kentucky's coat of arms and motto, honoring both officers and unnamed soldiers. Visiting this hillside tribute gives you a deeply specific, tangible timeline of state military history while connecting you to the legendary funeral that famously inspired the poem "Bivouac of the Dead."

What to see at Kentucky War Memorial

• A 65-foot granite monument topped with a statue of Victory
• Nine low semi-circular monuments honoring conflicts from the War of Independence to the Persian Gulf War
• Two straight monuments bearing the names of Kentucky's fallen heroes
• Engraved column bands detailing historic battles and fallen officers

Visiting tips

Take time to walk around all four faces of the central 1850 column to read the specific battle inscriptions and state motto.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Kentucky War Memorial is easy to reach on Frankfort’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Singing Bridge. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Frankfort travel guide.