A Stop at Jefferson Davis' Birthplace

Nearly coincident with President Jefferson Davis' birthday on June 3rd, Commander Waldo of the Prattville Dragoons, SCV Camp 1524 recently stopped by the site of the Confederate President's birthplace in Fairview KY.  The state park is the site of the second highest obelisk in the United States and is the highest cast concrete structure in the U.S..  Driving off Hwy 68 which spurs off I-169, the park is off Jefferson Davis Rd and almost immediately upon getting onto this memorial highway, the huge obelisk comes into view.  It's scale and design will remind you immediately of the Washington Memorial in the District of Columbia.   The park is surrounded by a stone wall and there are historical markers about one which designates the park as the starting point of the Jefferson Davis memorial highway and another near the front of the park which provides information on the site as Davis' birthplace where he was born on June 3, 1808.  Inside the park is a welcome center which also has a small museum with numerous reproduction period as well as a few historical flags.  Across from the information desk is a gift shop and the park offices.  In the corner of the office was a display case with a satchel, canteen, Great Seal of the Confederate States and on the wall overhanging, a Confederate Medal of Honor.  The obelisk was really awesome as it soared into the blue sky.  Inside the obelisk is an elevator in which rides are available up to a viewing platform as well as a stairwell.  At the entrance to the base of the obelisk is a plaque with an excerpt from Davis' speech in 1888 in Mississippi City where he appealed to the Southern citizenry for reconciliation and renewed patriotism.  Just outside the entrance is another historical marker on which his Salute to Kentucky is embossed.  It was a very enjoyable break from a drive down the interstates to see this historic location and the incredibly impressive obelisk monument to one of America's great leaders and statesmen, Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

The following photos were provided by Dragoons compatriot Tyrone Crowley who visited the site in 2008 and commented that it was an impressive memorial and certainly worth a visit.  Indeed.

Monument Facts from the Park Museum

Souvenir T-shirt from Bicentennial Celebration of Jefferson Davis' Birthdate

View from the Top of the Obelisk thru Observation Windows