Learning Civil War History at Mill Springs Battlefield
Recently, we were headed to a neighboring city to do a little shopping when we saw a brown sign! Yes! You know the sign I’m talking about! We had a little extra time, so we followed the sign to do some exploring. We’ve been to Gettysburg and Perryville Battlefield, now we had the opportunity to learn some Civil War History at Mill Springs Battlefield in Nancy, Kentucky.
Learning Civil War History at Mill Springs Battlefield
It doesn’t take major planning to turn a quick day trip into an opportunity to learn about history and make some memories. We saw the sign, spent $12.00 and less than 2 hours but now our family knows more about the history of our country.
The Mill Springs Battlefield Visitors Center is located in Nancy, Kentucky. It is the site of a small but significant Civil War battle in 1862. We took the time to tour the museum and learn more about the war between the North and the South.
In January 19, 1862, the small town of Logan’s Crossroads (now Nancy, Ky.) erupted in a blast of artillery and musket fire, as Confederate and Union forces clashed in the Battle of Mill Springs. When the smoke cleared, 150 Confederates and 50 Federal soldiers lay dead on the field and the Union had its first significant victory of the Civil War.
The Museum had a small tent just for the kids to try on the soldiers uniforms.
Do you know the Story of Gen. Zollicoffer?
Before our visit, I had never heard of General Felix K. Zollicoffer, a Confederate general who mistakenly thought he was addressing his own troops and then ended up being shot and killed in the confusion. In the battle, his troops laid his body against a while oak tree that now has historical significance as the Zollie Tree! You can even buy pieces of the original Zollie Tree for $1.00.
Hours and Fees
The Mills Springs Visitors Center is open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sundays; Closed Mondays
Individuals: $5 per person; Families (2 adults and 4 children): $12; Groups of 5-15: $3 per person; Groups of 16-50: $2 per person; College Students, Military and Seniors: $2 per person.
When is the last time you took a few minutes to explore a local battlefield or museum? Do you think trips like this are important?
Some people don’t just enjoy learning about history, instead they participate in Civil War Reenactments. You can read all about one young lady who is mixing her love for photography and history in these Reenactments.
