Perryville Battlefield

 During the Civil War Kentucky was considered a border state after the state legislature declared neutrality. Both sides wanted control because of the strategic importance of the Ohio River and the railroads. The Confederacy added a star for Kentucky on their flag even though Union forces occupied the state for the majority of the war.

The Confederate forces attempted to retake the state in 1862 and Perryville, with an excellent road network, was considered a strategic location. Fighting took place on October 8 with over seven hundred men killed. The Union lost more men than the Confederacy but they were outnumbered and retreated through the Cumberland Gap leaving the Union in control of the state for the remainder of the war.

The site has a small museum with battle artifacts, a video, and exhibits detailing the movements of both armies. The museum staff passes out driving tour leaflets and there are trails that wind through the battlefield with over 40 interpretive signs. 

The museum is accessible. The trails are mowed grass and not accessible. There are some signs along the driving tour but most are too far away to read.

RVs can be parked along the road across from the museum. The driving tour road is fine for most RVs. One half mile section is dirt; the rest is paved. Battlefield  37.67451, -84.97066