City (pop., 2000: 27,741), capital of Kentucky, U.S. Located on the Kentucky River, it was founded in 1786 and has been the capital since statehood (1792).
Twice during its early history the capitol was burned, and both times the larger cities of Louisville and Lexington tried to become the state capital. Frankfort was retained, however, because of its central location. It is a trading centre for the Bluegrass region , producing tobacco, corn, and Thoroughbred horses, and the site of Kentucky State University (1886).