By Admin, BuyLocalBG.com, BuyLocalBg@gmail.com/
Thursday, September 29th, 2011 11:00 AM CST
The story of the Civil War seen through the eyes of Bowling Green, Warren County and Kentucky may be best seen on display at the L&N Depot’s Historic RailPark and Train Museum. Two weekends ago I was able to be at the opening of their new exhibit ‘Civil War and the Railroad.’ There we learned about the importance of Bowling Green due to the L&N line as well as a train line from Bowling Green to Memphis. As well as the roads and river leading to and from the city. When it comes to transport history this is the place to be. Not to mention they have an actual ‘Medal of Honor.’ The Medal of Honor was given to William Lord. Lord went to the assistance of a wounded officer Iying helpless between the lines, and under fire from both sides removed him to a place of safety.
William Lord from Company C 40 Massachusetts Volunteers. Drewery’s Bluff Virginia May 16th, 1864.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau describes the area this way:
On this side of the Barren River, there once stood a fortified stockade to defend the L&N Railroad Trestle. The original trestle was destroyed by the Confederates to prevent the Union army from entering Bowling Green by rail. After the trestle was repaired by the Union army, a defensive stockade was also built to protect this important river crossing.
Here are some of the sites of the exhibit:
There is also also an exhibit examining segregation and the railways.
Also check out the Civil War Trail (website link for trail) via the Convention and Visitors Bureau or Kentucky Museumon WKU’s Campus.
Past Civil War 150:
Part 1: Mt. Moriah Cemetery, resting place of “African American Union Soldiers.”
Part 3: “Defending the L&N Railroad Wayside Exhibit.”
Part 4: “Mt. Ayr & Fort Underwood”
Part 5: “Baker Hill and Downtown Bowling Green”
Part 6: “Confederate Defense Line and Rifle Trench.”
Part 7: “Fort C.F. Smith and College Hill.”
Part 9: “Hines Boatlanding and Civil War Hospital Exhibit.”
Part 12: “Bowling Green’s Official Sesquicentennial Event.”