Gene Autry Mural & Park

This mural and park, located on the corner or Franklin and Market Streets in downtown Kenton, was dedicated on June 26, 2004. The mural commemorates Gene Autry's visit to Kenton and his appearances, with his horse Champion, at the Kenton Theatre on August 8, 1938. Mr. Autry, the only individual to earn five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was at the height of his film career during that time.

The mural also portrays the connection to and the importance of the Kenton Hardware Company, home of the Gene Autry repeating cap pistol and Kenton Toys. In 1936, the company received a contract to produce Gene Autry repeating cap guns. Records indicate that over 6 million Gene Autry guns were manufactured. In his autobiography Back in the Saddle Again, Autry suggests that it was this toy that reversed an economic decline and "Saved Kenton."

Mr. Autry remained a friend to Kenton throughout his lifetime, graciously granting us permission to use his name and likeness for our annual Gene Autry Days in Hardin County.