Spring Walking Tour Date Set!

After some discussion after the fall walking tour this past October, Chuck Lott and I have decided to move the tour to May while at the same time adding more time to walking the battlefield by dividing the tour into two sessions on the battlefield.

Perryville Spring Walking Tour

May 17^th, 2014

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site

1825 Battlefield Road, Perryville, KY 40468

Sponsored by the Friends of Perryville Battlefield and the Cincinnati Civil War Roundtable

Guides – Chuck Lott and Darryl Smith

Join Chuck Lott and Darryl Smith for an extended walking tour of the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site.  There will be a morning session from 9:00 a.m. until noon, a break for lunch, and then an afternoon session from 1:00-4:00 p.m. (covering a different part of the battle than the morning session).  Evening roundtable talk to be held over drinks in Danville, most likely at V the Market or other suitable location.  Attendees should wear comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, bring water and snacks, and pack a lunch.  History buffs and the general public are all welcome!  Each session will involve three miles of walking, with some elevation changes (none greater than 100 feet) along the way. Meet for the morning session at the picnic shelter in the park.  When entering the park, take the first right and look for the shelter.

Morning Session – Cheatham Strikes the Federal Left

9:00-12:00 – Meet at the Picnic Shelter

We will follow Cheatham’s Division as it strikes the Federal forces under Jackson and Rousseau.  Brigades covered: Donelson, Maney, Stewart, Terrill, Starkweather, Webster.  Distance – 3.0 Miles.

Lunch

12:00-1:00 - Be sure to pack a lunch!

Afternoon Session – Men of Iron

1:00-4:00 – Meet at the Confederate Cemetery

We will focus on Rousseau’s stand against Buckner’s and Johnson’s Divisions.  Brigades covered: Lytle, Harris, Jones, Brown, Adams, Cleburne, St. John, Wood.  Distance – 3.0 Miles.

Evening Session – Post Tour Gathering

5:00 – V-the Market, 130 South Market, Danville

Open question and answer session over wine and beer.

Fall Hike - A Rainy Fun Affair!

Cold temps and pouring rain were our companions on the fall hike this year.  I would say those weather conditions were 180 degrees from what the soldiers suffered with in 1862, but twenty-four attendees suffered through the rain and cold for three hours as we tramped in a hurried and abbreviated fashion across the battlefield.  I was really impressed by the dedication the attendees exuded, but finally, after seeing more and more of them shiver, we decided to cut the event a bit short.  Thanks to those who made it out and tramped the fields in the rain!

The post hike event was held at a variety of locations.  First fourteen of us stopped at V-The Market for some warming spirits.  After imbibing a few pints, we moved on to Bluegrass Pizza and Pub, which never fails to deliver a great pie!  A few of us moved on to the Beer Engine for another quick pint.  It was good to be able to support local businesses while sharing some great times.

The plans are already starting for an extended event in the spring.  Both Chuck Lott and I are feeling that three or four hours are just not enough to cover Perryville they way we want to.  Not only do we have a lot of material to go over, but there is also a lot of ground to cover.  Look for details soon!

Rainy Day at Perryville - Photo by Tim Jeffries