See Civil War Sites in Kentucky for the 150th Anniversary

Families may want to see Civil War sites in Kentucky for the 150th Anniversary. Many activities and reenactments are scheduled throughout the year. It's a great time to remember history and spend quality time together as a family. Couples and individuals may also enjoy learning about the state's role in the War Between the States.

Kentucky remained neutral for as long as possible. The state was the home to both President Abraham Lincoln and to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. As such, it had supporters on both sides of the war. The attempt at neutrality would be short lived.

One of the Civil War sites in Kentucky that my family has visited is Camp Wildcat in Eastern Kentucky. The remoteness of this site gives the visitor a good idea of what fighting here must have been like. The famed Wilderness Road runs nearby. If you walk the trails to Hoosier Knob and Robeson Spring you can still see outlines of the trenches where the soldiers dug in for battle.

Civil War sites in Kentucky also include the Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum in Maysville. The slave auction in her book Uncle Tom's Cabin was inspired by events she saw at the Washington Courthouse. Click the link above for a map and other information.

Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park in Jessamine County was the site of a Union supply depot. There isn't another one of the Civil War sites in Kentucky with more significance for African American soldiers and their families. It served as a refugee camp, training ground and school.

Paducah is a small town on the western edge of the state. At different times, this city was controlled by both Union and Confederate troops. The town has the longest list of historical markers of any city in Kentucky. You can pick up information the walking tour or driving tour from the Visitor Center.

Bowling Green was one of the Civil War sites in Kentucky that was badly wanted by both sides of the conflict. Control of this town meant control of a waterway and railroad and lush farmland with enough fresh water for an army. It was originally held by Confederate forces but fell to the Union and was controlled by Federal forces until the war concluded.

One of the Civil War sites in Kentucky that visitors will not want to miss is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace in Hodgenville. Its tall columns and number of steps in front of the monument resembles the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Jefferson Davis State Historic Site in Fairview was created to honor the sole president of the Confederacy. Its most notable feature is a 351 ft tall concrete obelisk. The state park also has picnic areas, gift shop and visitor center.

Find out more about these historic Civil War sites in Kentucky by clicking on the links above.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Civil War Traveler
Wildcat Battlefield.org
Kentucky State Tourism
Camp Nelson
TrailsRUs.com
Visit Bowling Green KY
Kentucky State Parks
National Park Service