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Jefferson Davis State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Jefferson Davis State Historic Site is a memorial to the famous Kentuckian born on this site on June 3, 1808. Ironically, just eight months later and
not more than 100 miles away -other great Kentucky statesman was born -braham Lincoln. The two men were destined to become Civil War adversaries Union President -braham Lincoln and
Confederate President, Jefferson Davis. Although Davis is most well-known for his service as President of the Confederacy during the Civil War, he was actually a reluctant seccessionist.
Davis distinquished himself as a military and political leader not only during the Civil War, but also as a West Point graduate, Mexican War hero, Mississippi congressman and senator and
Secretary of War during the Franklin Pierce administration.
The 351-foot monument to Davis constructed on this site marks Davis birthplace and rests on a foundation of solid Kentucky limestone. Our visitors center features exhibits detailing Davis political life before and after the Civil War and
offers Kentucky handcrafts, souvenirs, books and Civil War memorabilia.
Picnicking
More Info
Area Attractions
Gift Shop/Visitor Center
Visitor Center Opened in 2001, the visitor center enhances a visit to the Site and enlightens visitors on the unique history that caused its preservation. A short DVD presentation and exhibits detail the political life of Davis before the after the Civil War and the building of the monument. Also told is the little known story of the Kentucky "Orphan Brigade." The center includes a gift shop featuring Kentucky handcrafts, souvenirs, books and Civil War memorabilia. Open May 1 through October 31. Hours are 9 -5 CT seven days a week.
The Monument
In 1907 at a reunion of the Orphan?s Brigade of the Confederate Army, General Simon Bolivar Buckner - famous Confederate general from Kentucky, proposed that a monument be built to honor Jefferson Davis at the site of his birthplace. Contractor C. G. Gregg of Louisville submitted a bid of $75,000 to design and build the monument. In 1917, construction of the world?s tallest concrete obelisk began. Steam was the principle source of power and
monument workers used steam engines to power their equipment, including steam-powered drills. A quarry was dug on the south end of the 19-acre park site and the stone crushed for use in mixing cement. The monument had reached a height of 175 feet by the fall of 1918, when construction was halted due to rationing of building materials during World War 1. Construction resumed in January 1922 and was completed in 1924 at an increased cost of $200,000. The 351 foot obelisk rests on a foundation of solid Kentucky limestone and
contains walls seven feet thick at the base, tapering to two feet thick where the point inclines. The monument features an elevator to an observation room high atop the structure for a panoramic view of the countryside.The Monument has undergone major renovation and reopened to visitors in May 2004.
Area Fishing Related Businesses
B & J Bait Co
1718 E 1st St
Hopkinsville, KY
(270) 886-6813
Jefferson Davis State Park