May 15th and 16th, 2015

Guides – Chuck Lott and Darryl Smith

On October 8^th, 1862, the fate of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and perhaps the entire Civil War in the Western Theater, was decided at the Battle of Perryville.  While tactically a Confederate victory, the Kentucky Campaign ended as a failure, and strategically the Federal forces were able to secure Kentucky for the duration of the war.  The Confederacy’s high tide in the west, peaking in August of 1862, had ebbed away by October 9^th.

For the last few years Chuck Lott (of the Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site) and Darryl Smith (of the Cincinnati Civil War Round Table) have teamed up to lead those interested in the Battle of Perryville on a walking tour.  There is no better way to understand what happened at Perryville than to stand in the very places that men fought and in some cases died upon.  The walking tour is free and open to those who are able to walk a few miles on rolling terrain.  We do ask that if you so feel inclined to make a donation to the park if you have enjoyed the tour.

For 2015 an additional event or two will be added.  On Friday, May 15^th, Darryl Smith will lead folks on a ten mile walk that approximates Alexander McCook’s Union I Corps approach to the battlefield.  Called the Dry Canteen Trail, this walk should give attendees a different perspective to Perryville.  As this is a road walk, comfortable shoes are a must.  Be certain to bring water and snacks and wear bright colors as to be seen by passing cars more easily.  Meet at the Confederate Cemetery on the battlefield by 10:00 a.m.  We will then take as few cars as possible and drive to Mackville where we will start our walk back to the battlefield. 

On Saturday, May 16^th, join Chuck and Darryl at 9:00 at the picnic shelter to start the walking tour of the battlefield.  We will have two sessions (each session covering a different part of the battle).  The morning session will end at noon, so pack a lunch.  The afternoon session will begin near the Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. and conclude at 4:00.  Each Saturday session will involve about three miles of walking.  Bring water and snacks and your curiosity!

We are also planning an evening session that will occur most likely at a location in Danville.  This will either take place over dinner or post meal, as we hope to have a local author discuss Perryville.

For more information visit the Cincinnati Civil War Round Table site, or email Darryl Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 513.321.1539.

The Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site have been very active in making the battlefield appear as it did in 1862.  They help with rail fence funding and installation, tearing down of structures not extant during the battle, and provide other support services to the park.  Please consider becoming a member.

The Cincinnati Civil War Round Table is a group of men and women in the greater Cincinnati area dedicated to not only the study of the Civil War, but also preservation.  There are eight meetings each year, as well as day and overnight trips.  We host a wide variety of local and national known speakers.

http://www.friendsofperryville.org/

http://www.cincinnaticwrt.org/