🌤 Weather at Isaac Shelby Cemetery State Historic Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–75 °F | 61–86 °F | 34–80 °F | 23–47 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Danville, 6 mi away, elevation 900 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
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
More parks in Kentucky: Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site and Old Fort Harrod State Park. See the full Kentucky state parks guide.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Isaac Shelby Cemetery State Historic Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required in all public areas (official policy does not state a maximum length)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are restricted from beaches, nature preserves and some historic sites
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly rooms and cabins available at select lodges for a $50-per-accommodation fee, max two pets, 80 lbs per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee per accommodation for lodging (undisclosed pets: $150 per incident)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from State Nature Preserve trails at parks including John James Audubon, Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves and Pine Mountain
Are dogs allowed at Isaac Shelby Cemetery State Historic Site?
Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ky.gov. More: Kentucky state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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