State Military Monument, (sculpture).

State Military Monument, (sculpture).

Launitz, Robert E., 1806-1870, sculptor.

State Military Monument, (sculpture).

War Memorial Monument, (sculpture).

Kentucky Veterans Military Monument, (sculpture).

Commissioned 1848. Dedicated June 25, 1850. Rededicated Nov. 11, 1987.

Digital Reference:

Sculpture: Carrara marble; Base: Carrara marble and Connecticut granite; Foundation: concrete.

Sculpture: approx. 8 x 2 x 2 ft.; Base: 65 x 20 x 20 ft. (150 tons).

R. E. Launitz . New York (On upper column:) (West side:) The principal battles and campaigns in which her sons devoted their lives to their country are inscribed on the bands and beneath the same are the names of her officers who fell. The names of her soldiers who died for their country are too numerous to be inscribed on any column. (South side, beneath Kentucky coat of arms:) United we stand; divided we fall. (North side, on tablet:) Military Monument/erected by/Kentucky./A.D. 1850. (East side:) Kentucky has erected this column in gratitude equally to her officers and soldiers. (On each side of column, on bands: names of battles fought by Kentucky soldiers) (On each side of column beneath each band: names of Kentucky soldiers who died in each battle) signed

An allegorical female figure representing Victory stands atop a tall column of Carrara marble. She has wings and extend laurel wreaths in each hand. Underneath the cornice of the column is a trim of feathers. Near the top of the column, on the south side, is the Kentucky coat of arms. The length of the column is inscribed with names of soldiers and battles on each side. On the front of the column is an oval relief surrounded by a sunburst design. The relief depicts two figures facing each other. One figure touches the other's shoulder. A garland decorates the column beneath the relief. The column is mounted on a wider, lower base of granite, with eagles at each of the four corners. Beneath the eagles, on the cornice of the lower base, is an egg and dart border. The lower base rests on a concrete foundation. Around the monument are granite plaques with nine flags raised above them. The monument is surrounded by walkways and a plaza area.

History -- United States -- Military history

Figure female -- Full length

Allegory -- Other -- Triumph

Object -- Other -- Wreath

Animal -- Bird -- Eagle

Emblem -- Coat of Arms

Outdoor Sculpture -- Kentucky -- Frankfort

Administered by State of Kentucky, Office of Historic Properties, Berry Hill Mansion, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

Located Frankfort Cemetery, 215 East Main Street, State Mound, Frankfort, Kentucky

In 1848, the Kentucky General Assembly appropriated $15,000 to erect a monument to those who died in defense of the country. Mason Brown, a founder of the Frankfort Cemetery, wrote a state contract for the memorial. When there was a cost overrun of $1,500, the state elected to pay the artist supplemental funds, but he refused the payment. Marble for the column was imported from the quarry of C. Fabricotti Carrara in Italy. The sculpture and four eagles around the base were carved in Italy following a model prepared by the artist. The figure of Victory was placed atop the column in June of 1849 and the monument dedicated on June 25, 1850.

In 1986, in response to the monument's deterioration, the Kentucky General Assembly appropriated funds for the restoration and updating of the memorial. This included cleaning and sealing the monument and extensive underpinning of the foundation to prevent further settlement of the memorial. New walkways and a plaza were constructed to provide improved access to the site. Granite plaques were designed to honor those who fought in later wars. Flags are raised above the plaques to represent the nine conflicts in which Kentuckians have fought. On Veteran's Day in 1987 the sculpture was rededicated. At one time, four cannons stood near the sculpture, two of which were taken from the enemy at the battle of Buena Vista, and two from the State of Kentucky arsenal.

IAS files contain a full transcription of names on column of monument. IAS files contain an excerpt from L. F. Johnson's "History of the Frankfort Cemetery," Frankfort, KY: Roberts Printing, 1921, pg. 12-19; and a photocopy of the dedication program.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Kentucky survey, 1995.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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