As Union and Confederate forces maneuvered around Perryville, soldiers and horses suffered intensely for want of water. "That\'s not entirely true but both sides certainly did need water."After a severe drought in the area, all soldiers were looking for water. But they were facing 58,000 Federal troops."Many people say that the Battle of Perryville was fought over water," said Stuart Sanders, director of the Perryville Battlefield Preservation Association. Southern forces, who numbered only 16,000, had surprise on their side. 8, 1862, a Confederate campaign to recapture Kentucky came to a climax along the banks of the Chaplin River. ![]() Southern strategists hoped to turn the tide of the war by gaining control of Kentucky - which would also mean access to the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and key railroad lines.President Lincoln noted that "to lose Kentucky is nearly the same" as to lose the whole war.On Oct. Kentucky was seen as a pivotal battleground that both sides needed. PIVOTAL STATEPerryville is said to have been one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. We even left the "battlefield" part off the name and referred to it just as "Perryville." For us, it was a site for wondrous times.On a recent trip to the Danville area, I learned what Perryville Battlefield really means."It\'s hard to believe that thousands of men were trying to kill each other here," said site manager Kurt Holman.And it is surprising that the land hasn\'t been developed or otherwise significantly changed over the years."We\'re known as one of the most pristine battlefields in the nation," Holman said. But as children, we\'d just let the stories go in one ear and out the other as we hurried off to play. Sure, I\'d heard grownups talk about the "war" that had happened at Perryville. "I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky." Abraham LincolnPERRYVILLE, Ky.As a child, I always knew Perryville Battlefield as a place for family reunions when visiting my grandparents in nearby Danville, Ky.The rolling hills, split-rail fences, towering trees, cattle in the distance and acres to run and romp were a child\'s paradise.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |