MIDWESTROAD QUIRK

Col. Sanders Resting Place

by Bill Clevlen
by Bill Clevlen

Only one guy in America would find it fitting to have a bucket of fried chicken left at his grave as a way to pay respect.  (Well, except for maybe Michael Moore or Gov. Chris Christie)

Col. Harland Sanders, who left a lasting legacy with his Kentucky Fried Chicken brand is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery – a short drive from downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

And no, it’s not unusual to see flowers, trinkets or yes, buckets of chicken – placed on the burial spot.

His wife Claudia, as noted on the grave stone is also buried on site.  Once you enter the grounds, a distinct yellow line on the pavement marks the path for tourists looking to visit Sander’s final resting place..

The Colonel title didn’t come from any military service but rather as an honorary title from then Governor Ruby Laffoon of Kentucky back in 1935.  Yes, the chicken was that good.

Mr. Sanders earned a nickel for every piece of chicken that was sold in restaurants that struck deals with in the early days of Kentucky Fried Chicken.  By the mid 60’s, he had 600 outlets and eventually sold his interest in the company he had built to a group of investors.  His pay off?  $2 million dollars.  By 1986 the company was worth $840 million.

Today, KFC is located in over 100 countries with more than 18,000 locations.  The company is now part of the Yum! brands which includes both Pizza Hut and Taco Bell – based here in Louisville.

In 1980, Col. Sanders died at the age of 90.

 “There’s no reason to be the richest man in the cemetery. You can’t do any business from there.” —Colonel Harland Sanders

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Bill Clevlen is a road trip expert and travel content creator for radio and TV stations across the U.S. His stories have been published in major media outlets like The Los Angeles Times and is heard sharing travel tips and ideas on SiriusXM Radio. He's the author of five travel books - The Ultimate American Music Bucket List, 100 Things To Do In America Before You Die, Driving Across America, An American Road Trip For Kids, and Finding The American Dream.