Worth the Drive: Learn Kentucky history through these 5 monuments

Ana Rocío álvarez Brí?ez, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

Whether you are in the mood to learn history or enjoy the state’s nature during a hike, Kentucky has a road trip-worthy monument just for you.

Kentucky is rich in history, especially surrounding the Civil War, and monuments around the commonwealth make it fun to learn. You may even be able to add some other fun museums along the way to get the most out of your drive.

Here are some Kentucky monuments to visit:

1. Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial

365 Vernon Cooper Lane, Frankfort; Open daily.

The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial is in front of the Capitol, making this visit a two-for-one.

The landmark, constructed in 1988, honors the Kentuckians who served during the Vietnam War. Names of every soldier are engraved in blue-gray granite and the monument features a sundial pointer that touches the person's name on the anniversary of their death, according to the memorial's website.

2. Fort Jefferson Hill Park Welcome Center & Memorial Cross of KY

Fort Jefferson Hill Road, Wickliffe

This monument is rich in history — from the origins of Fort Jefferson and its relationship to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to how the cross that visitors will see is not the first one that was built.

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3. Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

9020 W. Highway 80, Nancy; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday

The Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument makes an adventure out of learning about the battle's part in the Civil War.

The site features a museum and visiting center, a driving tour with 10 stops, a video presentation and even a hiking trail.

4. Camp Nelson National Monument

6614 Danville Road Loop 2, Nicholasville; Visiting Center and Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday; Camp Nelson National Monument open sunrise to sunset every day.

Camp Nelson’s history is rooted in the country’s Civil War era along with its Oliver Perry House built in the mid-1850s.

There are many things to do when visiting the national monument, including a museum exhibit and watching a film at the visitor center, or take advantage of the five miles of hiking trails within the park.

The Oliver Perry House, which is normally open to guests, is closed for renovations at time of writing.

5. Harlan County Coal Miners Memorial Monument

First Street at East Central Street, Harlan

The Harlan County Coal Miners Memorial Monument is dedicated to the coal miners in Harlan, Kentucky, who have died while working in the commonwealth's once-plentiful mines.

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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 5 Kentucky monuments to learn history during your spring road trip

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