Columbus, Kentucky

[davepi2]

I have previously visited Mill Springs and Fort Donelson and I am going to return with my grandson in a couple of weeks. I haven't been to the left of the Confederate line that was in Columbus and was thinking about adding it to my trip. This would be a good chance to see the Mississippi/Ohio confluence as well. Is it worth the time to visit Columbus and what should I be looking for there?

 

[LSBusch]

I feel as if I should be able to help you because I published the diary that an ancestor kept while on garrison duty at Fort Halleck near Columbus in 1863 (see signature). However, I live in Nevada and have never visited in person.

With that said, the Columbus-Belmont State Park looks interesting. My gg-grandfather looked wistfully across the river at the scene of the 1861 Battle of Belmont and wrote, "I want to go over and take view of it as I have never had to [sic] pleasure of being on a battle field." (That changed the following year!) He also wrote about the huge chain placed across the river as a blockade, which you can see at the park. The gift shop there carried my book at one time.

The portion of a bluff above Columbus that held Fort Halleck fell into the river (along with the fort) in 1865, so you wouldn't see that!

Explore | Columbus-Belmont State Park

parks.ky.gov

 

[davepi2]

I feel as if I should be able to help you because I published the diary that an ancestor kept while on garrison duty at Fort Halleck near Columbus in 1863 (see signature). However, I live in Nevada and have never visited in person.

With that said, the Columbus-Belmont State Park looks interesting. My gg-grandfather looked wistfully across the river at the scene of the 1861 Battle of Belmont and wrote, "I want to go over and take view of it as I have never had to [sic] pleasure of being on a battle field." (That changed the following year!) He also wrote about the huge chain placed across the river as a blockade, which you can see at the park. The gift shop there carried my book at one time.

The portion of a bluff above Columbus that held Fort Halleck fell into the river (along with the fort) in 1865, so you wouldn't see that!

Explore | Columbus-Belmont State Park

parks.ky.gov

Thank you so much. Now I just have to find a good time to go. Everything is booked up between Christmas & New Years and I'm not sure if going Columbus Day weekend gives enough time.