The General Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky

For an interesting look at American history, visit the General Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky. This memorial to the great American soldier includes an assortment of actual tanks used in various wars, along with a massive helicopter marking the museum's entrance. The Emert L. Davis library also is housed at the Patton museum, giving visitors a chance to research anything they find interesting. The General Patton Museum is open to the public seven days a week, except on holidays.

The General Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky: Its history

The General Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky is not the original site dedicated to his memory. The first Patton memorial was built in 1949 by Beatrice Patton, his widow. The General Patton Museum in Fort Knox was constructed over a period of twenty years, beginning in 1972. The construction of this new General Patton memorial was undertaken by the Patton Museum Foundation, Inc. and funded mostly by volunteer donations.

The General Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky: Patton's career

General Patton's military career was quite distinguished, making him well-deserving of this elaborate memorial. He graduated from legendary West Point Military Academy in 1909 and became one of the first heroes of the tank division. He was a key member of the development team as well, helping the United States military improve the design of their tanks. Patton also helped convince the U.S. Congress that the size of the country's tank forces needed to be increased, even in peacetime.

The General Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky: Wartime exhibits

The General Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky contains many of his battle-used weapons. Some of the features of this exhibit include the actual sword used by General Patton at West Point Academy and a set of elaborate ivory-handled pistols. Vehicle displays include General Patton's Cadillac, which was decorated with a white star designating his rank. For military buffs, there are also a selection of authentic tanks from different periods of time. At the General Patton Museum, you can actually see the difference between the tank design used in World War I and the one used in World War II. There is even a helicopter located in the front of the General Patton Museum, along with several more tanks.

The General Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky: Beyond the military

Besides the military-themed exhibits, the General Patton Museum offers several other pieces of history for visitors to enjoy. A piece of the old Berlin Wall is housed here in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Rotating exhibits change throughout the year, covering a variety of topics. Some recent exhibits at the General Patton Museum have included displays focusing on racial diversity in the military and several Iraq-themed features.