Colonel Sanders Wasn’t a Real Colonel: The Surprising Truth Behind the KFC Icon

Admin
0

Colonel Sanders Wasn’t a Real Colonel: The Surprising Truth Behind the KFC Icon

Meta Description:
Discover the surprising history of Colonel Harland Sanders. Was the KFC founder really a colonel? Learn about his military service, honorary title, and legacy.


We’ve always thought of Colonel Harland Sanders as a cook, businessman, and military colonel. But here’s the twist: Colonel Sanders wasn’t a real military colonel at all. Despite this revelation, we’ll probably still keep enjoying his world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken. 🍗

---

Did Colonel Sanders Really Serve in the Military?

While Harland Sanders wasn’t a true colonel, he did have a brief stint in the United States Army. Born on September 9, 1890, in Henryville, Indiana, Sanders enlisted in the Army in 1906 at just 16 years old by falsifying his date of birth.

Young Harland Sanders during his early years. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

He was sent to Cuba but served only three months before being honorably discharged in February 1907. At most, Sanders likely held the rank of private—hardly the “Colonel” title he later became famous for.


While his military career was short and uneventful, Sanders once gained notoriety for shooting a business rival who painted over his advertising signs. Clearly, he wasn’t afraid of confrontation—even outside the battlefield.

---

How Did Harland Sanders Become a Colonel?

Photo: Colonel Sanders hula dancing in 1969

Colonel Sanders enjoying a hula dance in 1969. (Photo Credit: Leila Grossman/Getty Images)



By the age of 40, Sanders was running a Shell service station in Corbin, Kentucky. Hungry travelers frequently asked him for food recommendations, and Sanders soon realized he could feed them himself. Initially, guests dined right at his family’s kitchen table.

In 1935, recognizing his contributions to Kentucky cuisine, Governor Ruby Laffon awarded Sanders the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel. This marked the beginning of his transformation into the iconic figure we know today.

---

What Does It Mean to Be a Kentucky Colonel?

Photo: Harland Sanders cooking fried chicken in 1969

Colonel Harland Sanders cooking his famous fried chicken in 1969. (Photo Credit: Bob Grannis/Getty Images)

Despite not being a military rank, the title of Kentucky Colonel is a prestigious honor given by the Governor of Kentucky for noteworthy contributions. Other famous Kentucky Colonels include Muhammad Ali, Walt Disney, and Josh Hutcherson.

However, Sanders stands out as the only Kentucky Colonel to incorporate the title into his name and personal brand. In fact, after losing his original certificate, he was re-commissioned in 1950 by Governor Lawrence Weatherby.

---

The Legacy of Colonel Sanders

Though not a true colonel, Harland Sanders built a global empire and became one of the most recognizable figures in culinary history. His story reminds us that sometimes, titles don’t matter as much as passion and perseverance.

---

Related Posts You Might Enjoy

---

What do you think about Colonel Sanders’ story? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇



Post a Comment

0Comments

Post a Comment (0)

#buttons=(Accept !) #days=(20)

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Check Now
Accept !