🌤 Weather at Jefferson Davis State Historic Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37–77 °F | 64–88 °F | 36–82 °F | 24–48 °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 Elkton, 9 mi away, elevation 619 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Jefferson Davis State Historic Site — Marks the birthplace of the Confederate president with a 351-foot concrete obelisk — the tallest unreinforced concrete structure in the world — in Fairview, Kentucky.
Jefferson Davis State Historic Site is a 19-acre park in Fairview, Todd County, Kentucky, preserving the birthplace of Jefferson Davis (1808–1889), president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. The site’s centerpiece is a monumental 351-foot obelisk — taller than many state capitol buildings — built between 1917 and 1924 as the tallest unreinforced concrete structure ever constructed.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Fairview, Todd County, Kentucky (US-68) |
| Admission | Grounds free; elevator fee for monument observation |
| Season | Grounds year-round; monument/museum seasonal |
| Managed By | Kentucky Department of Parks |
The Monument
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 351 feet (107 m) |
| Construction | 1917–1924 |
| Material | Unreinforced concrete on Kentucky limestone base |
| Record | Tallest unreinforced concrete structure in the world |
| Elevator | Installed 1929 — access to observation room |
| Views | Panoramic countryside views from observation level |
The obelisk was designed to echo the Washington Monument in form, though constructed in concrete rather than marble. An elevator installed in 1929 carries visitors to the observation room near the top, offering sweeping views of the Kentucky countryside.
Museum & Exhibits
The on-site visitor center and museum presents exhibits on Jefferson Davis’s life, his political career, the construction of the monument, and the broader historical context of the Civil War era. Notably, the museum also explores the remarkable coincidence that both Davis and Abraham Lincoln were born in Kentucky — less than 100 miles and one year apart.
Historical Context
Jefferson Davis was born on this site on June 3, 1808. His family moved to Mississippi when he was a child. He later served as a U.S. Senator, Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce, and — from 1861 to 1865 — president of the Confederate States of America. The monument was funded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and private donations, with construction spanning seven years.
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Monument Tour | Elevator to observation room (seasonal, fee) |
| Museum | Exhibits on Davis, Lincoln, Civil War era |
| Picnicking | Grounds with picnic areas and playground |
| Photography | 351-foot obelisk is a striking subject |
Getting There
Located on US-68 in Fairview, Kentucky — about 20 miles east of Hopkinsville and 70 miles north of Nashville, TN. The site is well-marked from the highway.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHS | ~90 miles NE | Lincoln’s Kentucky birthplace memorial |
| Land Between the Lakes NRA | ~50 miles W | 170,000-acre recreation area, elk herd |
| Trail of Tears Commemorative Park | 20 miles W (Hopkinsville) | Cherokee removal history |
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Jefferson Davis Monument?
The monument stands 351 feet tall, making it the tallest unreinforced concrete structure in the world. It was built between 1917 and 1924. An elevator (installed in 1929) takes visitors to an observation room near the top with panoramic views of the surrounding Kentucky countryside.
Were Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln both born in Kentucky?
Yes. Jefferson Davis was born in Fairview, Kentucky, on June 3, 1808. Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, on February 12, 1809 — less than 100 miles away and less than a year later. Both men’s Kentucky birthplaces are preserved as historic sites, making the state uniquely connected to both sides of the Civil War.
Is the elevator at the monument always open?
No. The monument and elevator operate on a seasonal schedule, typically from late spring through early fall. Maintenance closures can also occur. Contact Kentucky State Parks to verify current operating hours before planning your visit.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake Malone State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Pennyrile Forest State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis 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
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