Throwback Thursday: Hart County Civil War Days

Hart County was home to two Civil War generals: Thomas J. Wood and Simon Bolivar Buckner. We’ve told the story of General Buckner, one of the most famous Confederate generals and dear friend of Union general and future President Ulysses S. Grant. General Wood served the Union Army in the Battle of Shiloh and at Chickamauga, but this weekend’s annual Hart County Civil War Days event tells the story of several, major, southern Kentucky battles and immerses the entire community in living history.

Between 1861 and 1862, there were three major battles surrounding the Green River railroad bridge, as it was critical for supplies and trade in the area. We’ve also told the story of the Battle for the Bridge Preserve, next to the railroad, that hosts many of the week’s activities, retelling the stories of Union and Confederate Army skirmishes throughout the war. This three-day event brings Civil War-era living and battles back to life with activities throughout the community.

Battlefields come to life in the form of living history for area school kids, as classes visit the courthouse and the Preserve for the day. Even President Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address on the courthouse steps. A music stage is also set, where bands perform and a Civil War cotillion is hosted. Local high school bands and color guards perform. After dark, Hart County residents host lantern tours of the battlefield.

For the first time this year, an 1860s baseball game is set for Saturday afternoon following the battle. The entire community of the Munfordville and the surrounding areas becomes immersed in Civil War Days. See the full schedule on the Hart County Civil War Days website: hartcountykycivilwardays.com.