General George Patton Museum and Center of Leadership
General George S. Patton, Jr., was one of the four star generals who led the allies to victory, during World War II. A colorful and complex character, he was a man of honor, integrity, and dedication; who bravely fought for our nation, including heroically in North Africa, Italy, France, and the Battle of the Bulge.
This is a museum in the making, according to them; I however could not have enjoyed my visit more – especially because of the wonderful docent, who decided to tag along with us, filling in fascinating details about what we were seeing and the man himself.
Their collection of personal memorabilia is truly fascinating, and highly accessible and relevant to his story and our history; and the museum also covers many other areas of military history.
Located on Fayette Avenue, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, admission is free; but you must present identification.
1860 Confederate Saber belonging to General Patton’s Grandfather, Colonel George Smith Patton; the General said he played with the saber, as a child.
model 1859 McClellan Saddle, which his grandfather was riding, when mortally shot.
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The Guns! Yes, his ivory handled revolvers. His .45 Colt revolver and the Smith and Wesson .357 are on display. When questioned about his pearl handled revolvers, the General responded: “Only a New Orleans pimp would carry a pearl-handled gun!”
He was a highly accomplished swordsmen
Teaching fencing and writing manuals used by fellow servicemen
The General’s Gloves
One of his Jackets
His Helmet and Walking Stick
His Camera
His mobile Office
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Above the General’s Many Awards, Medal’s and Marks of Distinction
The car in which the General was riding, when the accident occurred, which eventually led to his death.
“General Patton used this staff car while commanding the Third and later Fifteenth Army. Soldiers of the 5th Infantry Division presented the car to Patton in early 1945 after seizing it from Gestapo members. Made in Detroit, the car arrived overseas to a dealer in France. Because Soldiers took the car from Nazis, its use prior to service as an Army staff car remains a mystery.”
“Model 1912 Cavalry Saddle”
“One of the oldest military traditions in a full-honor military funeral is that of the horse with no rider. Following the caisson a Soldier leads a horse that wears an empty saddle with the rider’s boots reversed in the stirrups. This indicates the warrior will never ride again. This was the empty saddle on the horse in Patton’s funeral on December 24, 1945.”
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