LEXINGTON, Ky- This weekend marks the sesquicentennial of the Civil War Battle of Richmond in Madison County. The Battle of Richmond Association is commemorating the event with a series of reenactments Saturday and Sunday. WUKY Student Reporter Chase Cavanaugh has details.
It's been 150 years since generals William “Bull” Nelson of the Union and Confederate Edmund Smith met on the battlefield in Richmond, Kentucky. The conflict was the first major offensive of the Kentucky campaign; an effort to bring the Commonwealth of Kentucky under the control of the Confederate States of America. Over 200 soldiers lost their lives in the battle, with hundreds more wounded. With a Union retreat, the Confederates claimed victory.
Battle of Richmond Association Managing Director Dr. Paul Rominger says Smith’s victory is what drove the Kentucky Campaign forward.
“This was the most decisive Confederate victory of the entire civil war. We really think that if this had not been a Confederate victory, they might not have gone on to Perryville.”
The Battle of Richmond Association will reenact the conflict on Saturday and Sunday in Battlefield Park at Pleasant View.
“We have suttlers, and food vendors. There’s a living history area, the 6th Kentucky regimental hospital. There’s a ladies social for ladies who are in period attire. It really is quite enjoyable and the park itself is really pretty", Rominger said.
The main reenactment is at 2:00 on both Saturday and Sunday, along with a staged skirmish at the Blue Grass Army Depot at 9:30 Sunday morning. The park, which is open from 10:00 to 4:00 both days, also has a museum on the battle and a living history exhibit. Admission is free, but there is a $5 parking fee.
