Jefferson Davis State Historic Site
🏆 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.
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