This event is the result of many people working since about 1997 to develop interpretive markers to provide information, road signs to guide tourists to the sights; brochures and website to tell the story of our wonderful Civil War heritage. Hardin County is very proud to be a part of this program to tell the story of Morgan's Christmas Raid of 1862. This was Morgan's most daring and difficult raid as it was conducted in winter.
Tim Asher of Elizabethtown invites everyone to join Congressman Ron Lewis for the Ribbon Cutting for the Morgan Trail program in Hardin County. The event will be Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at 11:00 am (EDST) on the square in Elizabethtown under the cannonball in the wall (40 Public Square). A reception will follow in the Hardin County History Museum, 201 W. Dixie Ave., Elizabethtown to view the Diorama of the Attack on Fort Sands and Fort Boyle on Muldraugh's Hill in the museum.
Press Release - August 17, 2004
Bowling Green - An unveiling at Lost River Cave will be held on August 17, 2004 at 9:15 am (CST) in regards to the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail. All interested are asked to attend. Contact Gary West at the Bowling Green/Warren County Tourist Commission at (270) 782-0800
Press Release - June 28, 2004
John Hunt Morgan Rides Again!
There are now over 60 wayside exhibits located in 28 communities in Central Kentucky because of the vision and direction of two men.
Nearly eight years ago, U.S. Congressman Ron Lewis and John Chowning of Campbellsville University brought together Civil War enthusiasts, the Kentucky Heritage Council, city and county officials and those in the tourism industry to explore the possibility of developing a John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail which would focus on the many raids of Morgan and his men during the Civil War. The strong interest left no doubt that indeed this was something that needed to be accomplished. Thus the Kentucky Heartland Civil War Trails Commission was created which worked in cooperation with the newly created American Civil War Institute of Campbellsville University.
Four years ago, a $171,360 TEA-21 Transportation Enhancement Grant was awarded by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to the City of Campbellsville to help fund this initiative. The grant, along with matching dollars from the communities, helped cover the costs of the wayside exhibits and a four-color brochure and map.
This month, Congressman Lewis, John Chowning and others involved in the initiative unveiled the trail at a ceremony held at Campbellsville University. Many of those who have been involved in the initiative from the beginning attended the event. Betty Jane Gorin-Smith, a retired school teacher and scholar on John Hunt Morgan whose knowledge and persistence kept this project moving forward was recognized for her tremendous help in making a concept become reality.
Communities that are part of the trail and now have wayside exhibits installed or nearing installment include: Bardstown, Bardstown Junction, Bonnieville, Bowling Green, Brandenburg, Burkesville, Campbellsville, Cane Valley, Cave City, Columbia, Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Greensburg, Horse Cave, Lebanon, Lebanon Junction, Mackville, Marrowbone, Muldraugh, Munfordville, New Haven, Russell Springs, Scottsville, Shepherdsville, Springfield, Tebbs Bend, Tompkinsville, Upton and West Point.
A website has been developed providing more in-depth information, photos and facts, directional signage to each of the sites is awaiting approval from the Department of Transportation before being erected. For more information on the initiative, click here or call (270) 792-5300.
WMTH CORPORATION PO BOX 51153 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42102 PHONE (270) 792-5300 FAX 721-0004
