Jefferson Davis State Historic Site marks the birthplace of the Confederate president, Jefferson Davis. Davis was born on this site on June 3, 1808.
Kentucky has always taken pride in the fact that the President of the Union (Abraham Lincoln) as well as the President of the Confederacy (Jefferson Davis) were BOTH born in Kentucky. In fact, President Lincoln was born just over eight months later and less than 100 miles to the northeast.
More Facts About Jefferson Davis and Jefferson Davis State Historic Site
- This Historic State Park features a 351-foot monument (obelisk) that was completed in 1924, 35 years after Davis’ death. It even includes an elevator.
- There is a large Amish community in the surrounding area, so it isn’t uncommon at all to frequently see horses and buggies.
- Jefferson Davis State Historic Site also has a museum, gift shop, playground, and picnic area.
- Jefferson Davis was a graduate of West Point.
- Davis served as both a U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senator (from Mississippi). He also served as Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce.
- Jefferson Davis married Knox Taylor – daughter of President Zachary Taylor. She died from Malaria only three months after their wedding.
- The gift shop features Kentucky handcrafts, souvenirs, books and Civil War memorabilia. The site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through October.
- There is a fee for the museum and monument.
- The monument is the world’s tallest concrete obelisk and the United State’s fifth-tallest monument.
The site is 9 miles east of Hopkinsville on U.S. 68.
U.S. Highway 68 East
Fairview, KY 42221-0157
(270) 889-6100
Official Website: Jefferson Davis State Historic Site