Where can you find 17 governors, a pioneer, a poet, a painter and the pastor who baptized George Washington?
The answer lies at the junction of Glenns Creek Road and Main Street in Frankfort Cemetery, where visitors can get a glimpse of the area’s past as well as some of its most beautiful sights.
Daniel Boone’s grave sits among the stops favored by tourists, photographers and walkers who appreciate the tree-lined paths and stunning hilltop view of Kentucky’s Capitol building.
“Frankfort Cemetery was ingrained in me as a young Kentuckian,” says Kent Whitworth, the executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society. “There is such historical significance.”
Aside from the tourist appeal, Frankfort Cemetery has served as a community graveyard since 1844.
Two or three times a week, Henry Wylie stops at Frankfort Cemetery to eat breakfast beside the grave of his wife, Bonnie Ann, who died on July 4, 2011.
The two were married for 51 years. Though some of Henry’s family are buried elsewhere, his parents, grandparents and brother are in Frankfort Cemetery.
He wants like to lie right next to his beloved Bonnie Ann.
Superintendent Rodney Godby, who lives on the grounds, says he wants to make the historic cemetery even more appealing. He plans to overhaul the records system so visitors can quickly locate specific graves. He also envisions adding paths for walking and golf carts.
“One of the things that has struck me over the years is that when I’ve visited, I’m almost never alone,” says Kent. “People flock there from around Kentucky and the U.S.”
