Kentucky’s history is long, fascinating, and at times, filled with darkness and mystery. Our state has been the site of many wartime battles over the years, many of which are still memorialized to this day. You can visit historic sites, state parks, and other places throughout Kentucky that give you an authentic sense of these dangerous and impactful times. Going all the way back to the 1700s and the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Blue Licks took place on Kentucky soil. This battle has quite the story and each year the Revolutionary War comes to life at a huge reenactment at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park in northeast Kentucky.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park is nestled within a curve of the Licking River in northeastern Kentucky. As our state's fifth official state park, it has always been a favorite historic destination in the Bluegrass.
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The land was dedicated as a state park in memory of those Kentuckians who lost their lives in the Battle of Blue Licks, which took place in August of 1782. Since the British had already surrendered in Yorktown almost a year prior, many consider this Kentucky battle as the "Last of the American Revolution."
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Kentucky leaders Col. John Todd, Lt. Col. Stephen Trigg, and Lt. Col. Daniel Boone were badly defeated in this battle, as 70 Kentuckians were killed, including Todd, Trigg, and Boone's youngest son. In a fight that lasted only 15 minutes, this was a devastating loss for Kentucky. You can read more details about the history of the battle here.
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Today, the park hosts an annual event in August that includes a reenactment of the battle. Men, women, and even children dress up in costume and bring history to life in this display which is held on each afternoon of the weekend event.
Photo by Graphic Enterprises

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Those involved in the reenactment and the preservation of the park and its history are very passionate, making this a can't miss event for history buffs. It's also a much more interesting way to learn about Kentucky's history, rather than just reading about it in a book.
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The weekend also includes other historic displays, battlefield walks, and more activities throughout the two days. It's a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to experience the history of this area of Kentucky.
Photo by Graphic Enterprises
You'll also find vendors with 18th century-inspired items, locally written books, and food choices. Also, be sure to explore the rest of the park, including the on-site museum.
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As a resort park, Blue Licks offers a number of overnight accommodations, as well as a community pool, mini golf, access to the Licking River, a restaurant, and more. If you enjoy reliving history, consider making a weekend trip to this rare reenactment of a Revolutionary War battle that bloodied the fields of Kentucky so long ago.
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The Battle of Blue Licks was one of the last fought during the Revolutionary War time period and it remains a dark tale from Kentucky’s fascinating past. Have you seen this reenactment or been to this historic state park? Where else do you go to learn about Kentucky’s history? Let us know in the comments!

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park is located at 10299 Maysville Rd., Carlisle, KY 40311. For more information on the park, visit its website here and to learn more about the reenactment, visit its website here.

And if you do enjoy experiencing Kentucky’s history firsthand, then you’ll want to check out the historic hiking trails throughout our state, featured in a previous article here.

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