Isaac Shelby Cemetery State Historic Site
Kentucky’s First Governor — Revolutionary War Hero, Battle of King’s Mountain, Smallest Park in KY System, NRHP Cemetery Near Danville
Isaac Shelby Cemetery State Historic Site is a 0.5-acre state historic site in Lincoln County, Kentucky, near Junction City and Stanford, approximately 5 miles south of Danville. The site preserves the burial ground of Isaac Shelby (1750–1826) — Revolutionary War hero at the Battle of King’s Mountain, surveyor, and Kentucky’s first and fifth governor — the smallest park in the Kentucky State Park system, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Isaac Shelby (1750–1826) was one of the great frontier heroes of the American Revolution. At the Battle of King’s Mountain (October 7, 1780) — a pivotal turning point in the Southern Campaign — Shelby led backcountry militia that crushed a Loyalist force, earning him lasting fame. He went on to become Kentucky’s first governor (1792–1796) and was called back to serve as fifth governor (1812–1816) during the War of 1812. This tiny, stone-walled cemetery — just 0.5 acres, the smallest park in the Kentucky system — contains the graves of Shelby, his wife, and family members. His estate “Traveler’s Rest” once stood nearby but was destroyed by fire in 1906.
Things to Do
Historic Site
- Isaac Shelby’s grave
- Stone-walled cemetery
- NRHP-listed
- Smallest KY state park
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lincoln County, KY — off US 127 on KY Rt 300 |
| Size | 0.5 acres — SMALLEST KY state park |
| Person | Isaac Shelby (1750–1826) |
| Roles | 1st + 5th Governor of KY; Rev War hero |
| Battle | King’s Mountain (Oct 7, 1780) |
| Designation | National Register of Historic Places |
| Estate | “Traveler’s Rest” — destroyed by fire 1906 |
| Season | Year-round — grounds always open |
| Admission | FREE |
| Facilities | None — no restrooms, no visitor center |
| Note | Do NOT proceed past cemetery onto private land |
| Coordinates | 37.5700° N, 84.7792° W |
Visitor Tips
- Smallest park: At just 0.5 acres, this is the smallest park in Kentucky’s entire state park system.
- King’s Mountain: Shelby’s heroism at the Battle of King’s Mountain helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War in the South.
- Private land: The cemetery borders private property — do not proceed past the stone walls.
- Quick stop: Plan for a 10–15 minute visit — there are no facilities.
- Combine: Visit en route between Danville (Constitution Square) and Stanford for a complete Kentucky history day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Isaac Shelby Cemetery SHS — the burial site of Isaac Shelby — Kentucky’s first and fifth governor and a hero of the American Revolution (Battle of Kings Mountain). The site’s cemetery grounds and forest support songbirds and wildflowers.
Nearby Attractions
Stanford — adjacent. Lincoln County — surrounding. Danville — 10 miles north.
Where is Isaac Shelby buried in Kentucky?
Isaac Shelby — Kentucky’s first and fifth governor and a hero of the Battle of King’s Mountain — is buried at Isaac Shelby Cemetery State Historic Site in Lincoln County, Kentucky, near Junction City. At just 0.5 acres, it is the smallest park in the Kentucky state park system. The stone-walled cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Shelby’s estate “Traveler’s Rest” was destroyed by fire in 1906. Free and open year-round.
Last updated: May 2026
