The war between the north and south in America has long been discussed and studied in American history. This clash, which tore Kentucky families apart in the mid 1800’s, is the topic of an upcoming seminar at the Sandford Duncan Inn in Franklin, Kentucky.
“A Bloody Border – The Civil War in Kentucky” will be presented by veteran historian Nicky Hughes. Hughes is an author, historian and retired curator of the Capitol City Museum in Frankfort. This is the third in a series of monthly Thursday evening discussions at the historic site on the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
“Kentucky’s role in the Civil War was unique and tragic,” said Sandford Duncan Inn Curator and Inn Keeper Nicky Hughes. “Before the war, Kentucky was one of the leading states in the United States with great political influence, a vigorous economy, and a proud military tradition.”
Kentucky was caught between the two warring sides, and the state suffered profound setbacks during the war. The state acquired a reputation as a violent and backward place that afflicted Kentucky for many decades.
This talk, illustrated with many period images, will bring to life the political crises that brought on the war, follow the armies as they campaigned across the state, tell of the guerilla raiders who terrorized Kentuckians, and detail the frustrations that kept enslaved Kentuckians in bondage longer than anywhere else in the country.
Nowhere was the Civil War more of a war of “brother against brother” than in Kentucky.
“A Bloody Border – The Civil War in Kentucky” will begin at 7pm on Thursday, August 8. The Sandford Duncan Inn, which is operated by Franklin-Simpson Tourism, is located at 5083 Nashville Road, a mile south of Exit 2 off I-65. Admission to this program is free, but a $10 donation will be appreciated. Seating is very limited. Call 270-586-3040 to reserve a spot.
The Sandford Duncan Inn was built in the early 1800s and operated as a roadside inn providing food, drink and overnight accommodations to those traveling the Cumberland Trace, which is now Hwy. 31-W. The Sandford Duncan Inn is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am until 4pm with live dueling demonstrations on Fridays and Saturdays at noon.
-submitted by Simpson County Tourism Commission
