Apr 15 2008
BEREA, KY --- The I-75 corridor running through Southern and Eastern Kentucky is a treasure trove of smaller and less crowded civil war sites. The area is a perfect destination for the Civil War enthusiast who wants to take in some of the lesser known, but still important, battlefields.
Boone Tavern and Hotel - Your first order of business when visiting the area is to establish a comfortable, convenient and historic home base. The Boone Tavern and Hotel, as in Daniel Boone, is the choice. (Boone passed through the area and a history trail marking his travels is located near the hotel.)
On the National Register of Historic Places because of its founding in 1909, the Boone Tavern and Hotel teams with history but its 65 rooms provide all the modern conveniences demanded by today’s traveler. Its location downtown makes everything in Berea reachable within minutes, as well as other history sites in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. (For more information, visit www.boonetavernhotel.com. Note: It will be closed until May 1, 2008, while it undergoes a $9.6 million renovation.)
Perryville Battlefield and State Historic Site – Part of the Kentucky State Park system, and largest battlefield in Kentucky, Perryville is an easy drive from Berea. The site is the location of a battle between 40,000 Confederates and Yankees that took place on October 8, 1862. Perryville includes a gift shop, museum and a number of battlefield monuments as well as some of the best undisturbed and undeveloped views of a Civil War battlefield. If you want to visit the battlefield when it is a little busier, plan your visit for October 11th and 12th, those are the dates of the 146th Perryville Commemoration. (For more information on the battlefield, www.Perryvillebattlefield.com ; for more information on the reenactment, www.perryvillereenactment.org/ )
Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park – Although all of the original buildings are gone except for the former officers’ quarters, Camp Nelson commemorates and seeks to preserve the site of a major Union quartermaster and commissary depot. The camp, located near Nicholasville, was also the site of a refugee camp for African-Americans who had been displaced because of the war. This facility tells the story of the Civil War from the unique perspective, that of a supply base and refugee camp. (For more information, visit www.campnelson.org.) Finally, adjacent to the Park is a small federal cemetery with graves dating back to 1863.
Middle Creek National Battlefield – Two thousand Confederate troops squared off against 1100 Union troops on January 10, 1862, as both sides fought for control of Kentucky. The battle also established the reputation for James A Garfield, who at the time was a Union Colonel. Garfield, as some will remember, went on after the war to become the 20th president of the United States. For more information, visit www.Middlecreek.org.
Food– While in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, experience a dinner that you won’t forget, visit the Acres of Land Winery. In addition to being a winery, the Acres of Land’s restaurant serves a first class meal. Its location on a hilltop provides a great view of the area. For more information, visit www.acresoflandwinery.com.
For more information Southern and Eastern Kentucky attractions and accommodations, visit www.tourseky.com
