Civil War Discovery Trail

Brother against brother is a common sentiment used to describe Kentucky’s Civil War Experience with residents divided between North and South. Bowling Green's reliable and defensible transportation network and the collection of hills surrounding the city made it one of the most strategic posts in the state. The city was declared the Capital of the Confederate State of Kentucky in November 1861, but fell into Union hands by mid-February 1862.

Travel to 18 significant Civil War Sites in Bowling Green on this self-guided driving tour and visit popular attractions like Riverview at Hobson Grove, the Kentucky Museum and Lost River Cave. See historical markers, wayside exhibits, monuments and cemeteries, and stand among remnants of several forts including Ft. Lytle, completed by the 12th Heavy Artillery U.S. Colored Troops, and Ft. Webb, described as a lunette fort with embankments. An accompanying Audio Tour CD is available in the Visitors Center gift shop or can be downloaded on our Civil War Site.

For details on Bowling Green's community-wide commemoration of the the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War on September 17, 2011, visit our Civil War Sesquicentennial Events page.

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Civil War Discovery Trail Virtual Tours

• Fort Webb Civil War Site Tour

Downloads

• Civil War Discovery Trail Brochure