The Rise & Fall of Governor Goebel: A Walking Tour
Title: The Rise & Fall of Governor Goebel: A Walking Tour
Start: August 29, 2026, 10:30 am EDT
End: August 29, 2026, 12:00 pm EDT
Address: 300 W Broadway St Frankfort, KY 40601
Cost: $5 KHS Members; $15 KHS Non-Members
In 1900, Kentucky plunged into chaos when William Goebel was shot by an assassin’s bullet on his way into the State Capitol. The circumstances surrounding his death have been contested and overshadow the work Goebel did in his life, from his start in law to his becoming the Democratic candidate for governor. William Goebel’s story gives us a snapshot of the state of politics in Kentucky at the turn of the century.
This walking tour will explore William Goebel’s life , his rise to power and influence in Kentucky politics, and the aftermath of his assassination.
The tour will start in the Old State Capitol and will end at the History Center. Parking is available in the lot behind the OSC. We will visit several sites connected to Goebel’s story, so wear comfortable footwear.