Kentucky Landmarks

The Kentucky Heritage Council is authorized to designate significant resources as Kentucky Landmarks at the owner’s request. To qualify, a resource must be entered into the Historic Historic Resources Inventory; must have significance in Kentucky history, archaeology, architecture, or culture; and must retain enough integrity of site, setting, location, design, materials, and workmanship to convey that significance to the modern viewer.

The designation is accompanied by a certificate, signed by the Governor and suitable for framing, which is awarded to the owner. The certificate states that the property is a Kentucky Landmark, and worthy of preservation. The Council believes that the designation of historic properties as Kentucky Landmarks helps to spur interest in and commitment to their preservation on the part of owners. The owner's property rights are not restricted in any way when their property receives a Landmark Certificate. Any property listed on the National Register of Historic Places is eligible for a Kentucky Landmark Certificate, but listing is not required. 

Thirty sites across Kentucky have been designated National Historic Landmarks, indicating their national significance to all Americans.  Heritage Council staff are responsible for monitoring these historic sites on behalf of the National Park Service.

In Kentucky, designated National Historic Landmarks are:

• Daniel C. Beard Boyhood Home, Covington
• Belle of Louisville
• Burks' Distillery, Marion County
• Churchill Downs, Louisville
• Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, Lexington
• Covington and Cincinnati Suspension Bridge/John A. Roebling Bridge, Covington 
• Fort Boonesborough, Madison County
• Green River Shell Middens Archaeological District, Butler, Henderson, McClean, Muhlenberg and Ohio counties
• Indian Knoll, Ohio County
• Jacobs Hall, Kentucky School for the Deaf, Danville
• Keeneland Race Course, Lexington
• Labrot and Graham Distillery, Versailles
• Liberty Hall, Frankfort
• Lincoln Hall, Berea College
• Locust Grove, Louisville
• Louisville Water Company Pumping Station
• Mayor Andrew Broaddus (Lifesaving Station), Jefferson County
• Dr. Ephraim McDowell House, Danville
• Middle Creek Battlefield, Prestonsburg
• Mill Springs Battlefield, Nancy
• Old Bank of Louisville
• Old Morrison, Transylvania College
• Old State House, Frankfort
• Perryville Battlefield
• Pine Mountain Settlement School
• Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
• Zachary Taylor House, Louisville
• U.S. Marine Hospital, Louisville
• Wendover, Leslie County
• Whitney M. Young Birthplace and Boyhood Home, Shelby County

Visit the National Park Service Web site to read more about the National Historic Landmarks Program. 

If you are the owner of a historic property and are interested in receiving a Kentucky Landmark Certificate, please contact the KHC Survey Coordinator for further information.

Bill Macintire
Survey Coordinator
(502) 564-7005, ext. 124
bill.macintire@ky.gov