An officer’s sword, carried by a general who headed Kentucky troops during the War of 1812, is the first purchase by the Kentucky State Parks Foundation.

Green Clay, the father of Cassius Marcellus Clay, owned the mounted officer’s saber when he was a general during the war. The sword, which includes a belt and scabbard, stayed in the family until the 1980s. It was purchased by the foundation from a private collector for $12,000.

“It’s a highly intricate sword that Green Clay carried while leading his Kentucky troops,” said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller. “The state parks are indebted to the foundation for this purchase.”

The foundation was established earlier this year to protect and advocate for the natural, historical and cultural resources of the park system through fundraising and other activities. It raises private funds and is independent from state government.

“We’re pleased to be able to purchase this historic artifact for the Department of Parks,” said Isabel Yates, chairwoman of the foundation. “We look forward to bringing more items like this back to Kentucky for all of our citizens and visitors to enjoy.”

The sword will be presented to White Hall State Historic Site during its annual Pops at the Park Concert on Aug. 18 in Richmond. Green Clay began the estate in 1798 and called it Clermont. His son, Cassius Clay, later lived there and changed the name to White Hall. The sword will be displayed at the historic home, which also has a portrait of Green Clay.

Green Clay was born in Virginia in 1757 and became a wealthy landowner and businessman in Kentucky. He led 3,000 Kentuckians during the War of 1812. He was a cousin to Henry Clay.

The foundation also announced that it has added three new members. They are:

– Chris Hermann, senior vice president of E.ON U.S. in Louisville.

– Sharon Walker Furches, an owner of Furches Farms in Murray.

– Harold Bryan Barton Jr., a businessman in Corbin.