The Best Civil War Site In The South Is Located At This Kentucky State Park
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 09, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Kentucky played an important role in American history, from the coal mining boom and Westward Expansion to serving as a key battleground state in the American Civil War. Remnants of history can be felt all through the Bluegrass State, in fact, but nowhere moreso than Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. This Kentucky State Park is home to a Civil War site that’s one of the best and most well-preserved in the South, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Kentucky — and American — history.
Would you believe that this beautiful, peaceful place in Kentucky was once the site of an incredibly significant -- and gruesome -- Civil War battle?
On the morning of October 8, 1862, canon fire rang out, startling the small town of Perryville into panic as one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War began. The battle was for control over the border state of Kentucky, and both sides suffered numerous casualties.
Today, this Kentucky state park tells of the battle that was the South’s last serious attempt to gain possession of Kentucky. This Kentucky battlefield is one of the most unaltered Civil War sites in the nation; what you see today is virtually the same as what those brave soldiers saw on that fateful day in 1862.
Its 19 miles of trails wind through some of the most scenic and historic sites in the state. The total acreage of the battlefield is 1,200 acres, and there is a self-guided walking tour on the battlefield with plaques outlining important events.
An on-site museum further enhances the experience, with artifacts and war memorability adding a tactile and more personal dimension to this Civil War site in Kentucky.
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is one of the most beautiful -- and often overlooked -- state parks in Kentucky, which is a shame, because its historic significance can't be overstated.
Come and experience this Kentucky State Park -- and a crucial moment in American history -- for yourself.
Did you know about this Civil War site in Kentucky? Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is a wonderful day trip in Kentucky that’s truly fascinating.
Looking for more historic places to explore in the Bluegrass? Why not take a day trip to this Kentucky ghost town…
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