Description: Now normally taking trips to civil war museums isn’t something I have much of an interest in or a desire to do, but I feel like learning a bit of history about the country you are traveling in is very important, and I surprised even myself at how much I enjoyed this museum. I can see why it is rated so highly.
The Civil War in America is an important part in American history and if like me, you know virtually nothing about it, then a trip to Bardstown Civil War Museum is very worthwhile. The museum is devoted to the western theater part of the Civil War, and the displays are excellently set out in geographical and chronological order with a myriad of artifacts from both the Union and the Confederacy. There is enough information to keep anyone happy, from complete novices to Civil War buffs. Each exhibit contains many original artifacts, with a written explanation detailing the importance of everything on show.
Artifacts include the flag of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, captured near New Lisbon, Ohio, during Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan's Raid, the presentation sword of Confederate Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghman, killed in the Battle of Champion's Hill, and a silver flask presented to Confederate Brigadier General John C. Breckinridge a few days after he joined the Confederate Army. Artifacts are artfully displayed with photos, uniforms, cannons, flags, battle wagons, medical equipment, weapons, and personal items.
Upon visiting the Civil War Museum ($6 admission), you also have the opportunity of visiting the Pioneer Village ($2.50), Women's Civil War Museum ($2.50), War Memorial of Mid America Museum ($2.50), and the Wildlife/Natural History Museum ($4). You can see them all for $10.
Another advantage of a trip to Bardstown, is the relaxed, slow pace of life. This is a million miles away from what tourists would normally see in New York and California. If you are lucky you even see the friendly Armish standing at the side of the road next to their horse and carts selling their freshly cooked bread. It’s almost like stepping back in time.
The Civil War Museum is located in what used to be the town's water works and icehouse, a 8500 square foot building. It is the fourth-largest Civil War Museum in the United States. Bardstown is located in Central Kentucky between I-65 and I-75, just off the Bluegrass Parkway. From Lexington take Route 60 to the Bluegrass Parkway. Continue on the Bluegrass until you reach exit 25. Take a right at the exit and follow the road into town. From here the museum is signposted.
For me, the trip to the Bardstown Civil War Museum was well worth it and highly enjoyable. The museum is open everyday from 10am to 5pm, except in December, January and February when the museum is only open at weekends.
More information can be found at their official website http://www.civil-war-museum.org/, or by phoning +1 (502) 349-0291. You can also email at jembtwon@com.
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