Franklinfort, Kenfortucky

 

Franklinfort is the capital of the fictional U.S. state of Kenfortucky and the seat of Franklin County. It is a home rule-class city. The population was 51,000+ cims at the end of the 2024 census, making it the most populous city in Kenfortucky. Located along the Kenfortucky River, Franklinfort is the principal city of the Franklinfort, Kentucky, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Franklin, Raleigh, and Roane.

Before Franklinfort was founded, the site was a ford across the Kenfortucky River, along one of the confederate trails used as highways in America. English explorers first visited the area in the 1750s. The site evidently received its name after an incident in 1780, when pioneer Stephen Frank was killed in a skirmish with Native Americans; the crossing was named "Frank's Fort" in his memory. In 1786, the Virgiapeake legislature designated 100 acres (40 hectares) as the town of Franklinfort and after Kenfortucky became a state in 1792, it was chosen as the capital.

The city is located in the inner Capital Valley region of Kenfortucky. The Kenfortucky River flows on the city's western side, making a turn as it passes by the downtown; the Downtown and southwest Franlinkfort districts are opposite one another on along State Hwy. 127 (Church St.) .The city of Berkeley Springs is just across the river to the west of Franklinfort. Frankfort has four distinct seasons; winter is normally cool with some snowfall, while summers are hot and humid.

Because of the city's location on the Kenfortucky River, it has flooded many times, with the two highest recorded floods occurring in 1937 and 1978. The North Franklinfort levee, finished in 1969, and the South Franklinfort floodwall, built in the 1990s, were constructed for flood protection. Two bridges cross the river in downtown Frankfort, including the Highway 37 and Capitol Avenue bridges. Notable locations include the Kenfortucky State Capitol building, the Kenfortucky Theater, Freedom Hall, Old Market District, and the Church St. festival area.

As of 2025, the city's largest industry was public administration, which accounts for 28% of the workforce. Manufacturing totaled over 12% of the workforce. Franklinfort is served by Interstates 67 and 34, and general aviation access is via the Franklin County Airport. 

Government/Law

Franklinfort's City Hall is located in downtown Franklinfort at the corner of Church St. and Court St. There is 1 mayor with 5 city council members. Kenfortucky state law allows a minimum of 2 council/board members per municipality and a maximum/limit of 8.

Education

The city is home to the University of Kenfortucky at Franklinfort (UKF). The campus is just north of downtown Franklinfort and is located east of the Kenfortucky River.

Infrastructure/Roadways

• I-64  runs north-south through the city, and I-37 runs east-west through the city.
• Capital Valley Airport provides air travel for residents in Franklin, Raleigh, and Roane counties.

Points of Interest/Attractions

• Freedom Hall
• Franklin County Aviation Museum
• Arden Creek State Park
• Kenfortucky Performing Arts Center
• Kenfortucky Theater
• Old Market District
• Thomas Welch Field
• Capital Hill Mall