Fort Knox, Kentucky is home to the Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor. The museum houses a very impressive collection of armored vehicles and highlights the evolution of armor and mechanized cavalry and the military career of George S. Patton. In addition, the grounds are beautifully landscaped around the Armor Memorial Park containing monuments to each armored division, including the names of those who sacrificed their lives protecting and preserving our freedom.
The museum exhibits are sequential, and give a history of the development of armored units in the military. A somewhat logical transition from mounted cavalry units into the tank brigades of today is presented via photographs, artifacts, and actual vintage armored vehicles. World War I was the first war which utilized armored vehicles. The Patton Museum has several magnificent examples of these early vehicles. One striking display has an original British Mark V approaching a German machine gun nest.
Other displays have original armor from WWII, including several examples of the legendary U.S. Sherman tank, utilized to great effect by Patton and his Third Army. Army half tracks, Jeeps and personnel carriers are shown. In addition vehicles from the Axis powers are displayed, including the infamous German Tiger tank.
Additional exhibits follow the development of tanks from Korea, Viet Nam, and the cold war. One of the most impressive tanks on display is an M1 Abrams tank from the war in Iraq. This tank was in service during the fall of Bagdad. Also on display is a Soviet T72 tank that was used by the Iraqi military and was captured by U.S. forces. Many vehicles are also showcased outside the museum building. From WWII to the present, one can find examples of many of the battle proven tanks used by our military. You will even see a Viet Nam era helicopter.
And of course the life of General George S. Patton is detailed with original artifacts from his life. Items from his early days are displayed, as are pictures chronicling his history in the Army. His many decorations are in one long case, and perhaps the most famous of his belongings, the engraved Colt revolver with monogrammed ivory grips is also available for close up viewing. The repaired Cadillac staff car in which he was riding when he suffered his mortal injury is also on display.
The museum is located on 31W (Dixie Highway) just south of the US 60 intersection. Public parking is available if you enter off 31W. Handicapped accessibility is available only if you enter through one of the Fort gates. Admission is free, and the museum is open weekdays from 9am to 4:30 PM, weekends from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Note: May through September weekend hours are 10 AM to 6 PM.
Sources:
Personal visit
http://www.generalpatton.org/index.asp
