Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University was chartered in May 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, only the second state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.[1] During the euphoria of Frankfort's 1886 centennial celebration, the city donated $1,500 towards the purchase of land for a new college on a bluff overlooking Frankfort. The new school formally opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers, 55 students, and John H. Jackson as president.[1] Recitation Hall (now Jackson Hall), the college's first permanent building, was erected in that year. KSU became a land-grant college in 1890, and the departments of home economics, agriculture and mechanics were added to the school's curriculum.[1] The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year. A high school was organized in 1893. This expansion continued into the 20th century in both name and program. In 1902, the name was changed to Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons. The name was changed again in 1926 to Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons.
Kentucky State University was chartered in May 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, only the second state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.[1] During the euphoria of Frankfort's 1886 centennial celebration, the city donated $1,500 towards the purchase of land for a new college on a bluff overlooking Frankfort. The new school formally opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers, 55 students, and John H. Jackson as president.[1] Recitation Hall (now Jackson Hall), the college's first permanent building, was erected in that year. KSU became a land-grant college in 1890, and the departments of home economics, agriculture and mechanics were added to the school's curriculum.[1] The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year. A high school was organized in 1893. This expansion continued into the 20th century in both name and program. In 1902, the name was changed to Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons. The name was changed again in 1926 to Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons.

Popular places to visit

The old building is beautifully designed with fantastic craftsmanship. The detail is amazing. The building was home to the Kentucky General Assembly from 1830-1910. #OnTheRoad

Old State Capitol

You can study the exhibits at Old State Capitol, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Frankfort. You can seek out the hiking trails in this family-friendly area.

Old State Capitol
Kentucky Governor's Mansion in Frankfort

Kentucky Governor's Mansion

Kentucky Governor's Mansion is just one of the places to see in Frankfort, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event in the area or seek out the hiking trails.

Kentucky Governor's Mansion
The bottling line for the special single barrel Blantons Bourbon.

Buffalo Trace Distillery

4/5(2 reviews)

You can take time to visit Buffalo Trace Distillery during your travels to Frankfort. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area.

Buffalo Trace Distillery
Capitol #ontheroad

Kentucky State Capitol

After visiting Kentucky State Capitol, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Frankfort. Attend a sporting event in the area or seek out the hiking trails.

Kentucky State Capitol
Waterfall 💧💧💦 #NationalPark

Cove Spring Park

You can take time to visit Cove Spring Park during your travels to Frankfort. Attend a sporting event in the area or seek out the hiking trails.

Cove Spring Park

Frankfort Cemetery

Learn about the local history of Frankfort when you spend time at Frankfort Cemetery. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area.

Frankfort Cemetery

Top Hotel Deals

The Delegate

The Delegate

3.5 out of 5
106 E. Broadway Street Frankfort KY
The Delegate
Bluegrass Inn

Bluegrass Inn

2 out of 5
635 Versailles Road Frankfort KY
Bluegrass Inn
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lexington Frankfort

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lexington Frankfort

2.5 out of 5
55 MILL ROAD Frankfort KY
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lexington Frankfort
The Kentucky Castle

The Kentucky Castle

2 out of 5
230 Pisgah Pike Versailles KY
The Kentucky Castle
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