Governor J.C.W. Beckham pushed a plan to erect a new capitol to replace the Old Capitol, designed by Gideon Shryock, which was located on the public square in Frankfort. The new building was also intended to be placed on the square, the site of the first three capitols, but the plans drawn up by the architects, F.M. Andrews & Co., called for a larger building than the old grounds could accomodate. A new site was chosen in South Frankfort. A substantial amount of money was recovered in the early years of Beckham's administration from the federal government to pay claims owed Kentucky from the Civil War. This war repairation money supposedly enabled the state government to put its finances on a sound footing and initiate the new capitol project.
From the description of New Frankfort (Ky.) capitol records, 1900-1985 (bulk 1900-1910). (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 41280067
