Preserving Kentucky’s Civil War Sites

Preserving Kentucky’s Civil War Sites Protecting the legacy of Union soldiers in Kentucky Preserving Civil War sites is central to the mission of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). Across Kentucky, Camps work to safeguard the places where Union soldiers served, marched, camped, and fought. Preservation is not reenactment or dramatization. It is stewardship—ensuring that historically significant landscapes, structures, and artifacts remain accessible, accurate, and respectfully interpreted for future generations. Why preservation matters Kentucky’s Civil War history is complex, and many Union sites have been lost to time, development, or neglect. Preserving what remains:

• Protects the memory of Union soldiers
• Provides accurate educational resources for schools and communities
• Supports heritage tourism and local economies
• Ensures that historically significant landscapes are not erased
• Strengthens public understanding of Kentucky’s Union identity

Preservation is a long‑term commitment that blends research, archaeology, community partnerships, and hands‑on care. Fort Duffield: Kentucky’s largest Union fort Fort Duffield stands as one of the most important Union sites in the Commonwealth. Built in 1861 to protect the strategic supply line at West Point, it remains the best‑preserved earthen fort in Kentucky. SUVCW members frequently support the Fort Duffield Heritage Committee through:

• Trail maintenance and erosion control
• Clearing brush and invasive growth
• Assisting with interpretive signage and educational materials
• Helping document artifacts and site features
• Participating in public history programs and tours

This work ensures that visitors can experience the fort’s original scale, layout, and strategic importance. Archaeology and documentation Preservation often begins with careful documentation. Camps may assist local partners by:

• Mapping historic features
• Photographing and cataloging artifacts
• Recording GPS coordinates of site elements
• Supporting non‑invasive archaeological surveys
• Helping maintain digital archives and interpretive records

These efforts create a reliable historical record that guides future preservation decisions and protects the site’s integrity. Community partnerships and public history Preservation succeeds when communities are involved. SUVCW Camps frequently collaborate with:

• Local historical societies
• Municipal governments
• Schools and libraries
• Veterans’ organizations
• Park and trail groups
• Heritage tourism boards

These partnerships help secure grants, coordinate volunteer days, and develop educational programs that bring Kentucky’s Union history to the public. How to support preservation efforts Individuals and organizations can support the preservation of Kentucky’s Union sites by volunteering, donating materials, assisting with research, or participating in public programs. SUVCW Camps welcome community members who share a commitment to protecting the state’s Civil War heritage. For more information, contact your local Camp or the Department of Kentucky.