Fort Knox Museum Honors US General
The General Patton Museum is located at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The original memorial to General George Smith Patton, Jr. was dedicated May 30, 1949 by his widow, Beatrice Patton. The current museum was built during the years 1972 to 1992 by the Patton Museum Foundation, Inc. with donated funds.
In 1909, George Smith Patton, Jr. graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He had decided at a young age that he would become a hero, and he set out to do just that. He distinguished himself, first in the Calvary, then in the United States Tank Corps, where he worked to improve the tanks used. He was also instrumental in convincing Congress to increase the size of the armored tank force.
In 1941, Patton was named Commanding General of the Second Armored Division at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was often commended for his courage and ability to lead. Unfortunately, Patton died in December 1945 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.
Patton was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism and is considered by some to be one of the greatest military figures in history.
The Patton Museum honors the memory of General Patton. Inside you’ll find some of the General’s personal items, including his ivory-handled pistols, his West Point sword, and his Cadillac staff car emblazoned with a white star.
Displays include actual tanks from World War I, World War II and the Cold War period; items from Operation Iraqi Freedom, and visiting exhibits. Currently, Adversity to Equality: The Journey of the African American Mounted Soldier is on display at the museum.
For those not interested in the military and war, the museum offers more than just exhibits about Patton. There’s an actual chunk of the Berlin wall, with the words, “Tear the Wall Down” covering one side; the Emert L. Davis Library, and a gift shop.
Out front, to the delight of children and war buffs, there are more tanks, and a helicopter.
Admission and parking are free, however, donations are accepted. The museum is located at 4554 Fayette Avenue, Fort Knox, Kentucky and is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. On weekends and holidays, the museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, May through September; and 10 am to 4:30 pm, October to April. The museum is closed January 1, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, December 24, 25 and 31. For more information, call 502.624.3812.