Kentucky Civil War Sites & Museums

Discover more about our rich Civil War heritage and the role The Kentucky Wildlands played at this critical time in our nation’s history through dedicated memorials, preserved battlefield sites, interactive educational parks, interpretive centers, battle and encampment reenactments, guided tours, torch-lit ghost walks, holiday-themed Civil War-era festivities, and annual services honoring American veterans, soldiers and leaders.

Learn firsthand how a young schoolteacher named James Garfield led his troops to a key early victory in the Civil War, which would set him on course to the American presidency, at the Middle Creek National Battlefield with reenactment center and interpretive trails in Prestonsburg. Experience the history of a conflict that divided our nation at the Pound Gap Civil War Memorial and Brothers Once More monument on Pine Mountain, which pays tribute to fellow Americans who found themselves on opposing sides, including President Abraham Lincoln and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, born only a year apart in Kentucky.

In Nancy, the Mill Springs Battlefield, a recently designated national monument, includes the Mill Spring National Cemetery, a visitor center and museum. It tells the story of the Battle of Mill Springs and honors the brave men and women who served across the nation and world at the annual Mill Springs Battlefield Memorial Day. The 10-stop Mill Springs Battlefield Driving Tour includes the General’s Headquarters, Brown-Lanier House and Zollicoffer Park, home to walking trails, interpretive signs and the annual Ghost Walk, a family-favorite autumn event.

Visit the Battle of Barbourville Civil War Interpretive Park, site of Kentucky’s first Civil War battle, and experience the stories of the men and women of the Civil War through multiple informational kiosks and captivating street mural depictions of the battle.