Kentucky Museum Civil War exhibit. Photo supplied by Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In September,  Bowling Green kicked off its Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration to coincide with the date Confederate troops first disembarked in our city.  For the next four years, Bowling Green as well as other surrounding communities will hold a series of events marking significant occurances during the War between the States.

Uniquely positioned as the Northern-most Southern state, Bowling Green’s population had divided loyalties that pitted brother against brother and its access to water and railways made it an area valuable to both Confederate and Union troops, both using it as a base during the course of the war.  Local landmarks such as the Octagon Hall and Riverview at Hobson Grove bccame encampments for soldiers traveling both North and South.  It was declaired the Confederate Capital at the end of 1861, but had fallen into Union hands by early 1862. 

In October, two landmarks will hold special events: South Union at Shaker Village presenting a living history exhibit on October 21-23 and Riverview at Hobson Grove hosting “An ‘Uncivil War’ Workshop on October 22 at 1 p.m.

Look for many events in the area over the next four years.  Ongoing exhibits include Bowling Green’s Civil War Tour, now with audio guides.  This self guided tour covers 18 significant Civil War sites which include Riverview at Hobson Grove, Lost River Cave and the Kentucky Museum as well as the remanants of several forts.    Check out visitbgky.com for a virtual tour.

The Kentucky Museum also features an exhibit with an online companion exhibit showcasing thousands of  images.  Octagon Hall’s Civil War Museum is open year round to visitors.  For these and more area Civil War exhibits and events go to visitbgky.org’s special section or visit the Amplifier’s calendar and directories for more information.