The Battle of Sacramento: May 19, 20, 21

It’s on this one weekend a year that a small town in Kentucky will expand its small population of 563 citizens to include a large number of reenactors and their families, sutlers and their families, and visitors from all over. On the third weekend of May this little rural community is host to many who enjoy partaking in commemorating a piece of Sacramento’s history. Spectator’s far and wide get to witness a recount of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s first battle that actually occurred on December 28, 1861. Along with the battle, visitors can also enjoy the many food booths on the battlegrounds. With many choices of Bar-B-Q, stir fry, hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes, old time kettle corn, cokes, candies, lemon shake-ups, it won’t be hard for someone to find a little something to munch on as they are walking the grounds. After that little something to eat, spectators can check out the craft booths where they might find t-shirts, collector knives, flags, and many other items. Lined up in rows are the sutler tents where you can find souvenirs of all kinds. Rebel and Yankee caps and uniforms, patterns for those beautiful southern belle dresses, civil war memorabilia, and much, much more. Take a trip down the past by visiting the reenactors at their tents where they will be more than happy to demonstrate for you how the soldiers lived. History is their passion, and they love to share it with the public. This three day event starts on Friday with School Days Living History where the area schools gather up students and venture to this little town to learn history with demonstrations and tales. If they are lucky they might catch a glimpse of Abraham Lincoln (Jim Sayre). At early evening the audience is entertained with local gospel singers and the telling of the Life and Times of Mollie Morehead with period music to close out the evening. Saturday begins with the Heritage Parade starting at the battlefield and marching down Main Street with the Ladies Tea and Fashion Show following soon afterwards. Early afternoon is what everyone has been waiting for with the opening ceremonies where Presidents Lincoln and Davis will give their addresses along with Generals Grant and Lee adding their remarks, and then at last the battle begins. After the battle, dinner on the grounds will be held for the reenactors and their families sponsored by the local churches. Ladies of the congregations donate their time and cooking to show our visitors a little southern hospitality. After dinner it’s on to the Civil War Pageants that will be held in the elementary school gym while out on the elementary grounds the Battlefield Ball will get underway. Bring a lawnchair and sit a spell to watch the folks dressed in their finest dance the night away to the music of Mean Mary and Frank. Dresses will twirl to period dances like the Virgina Reel. On Sunday the day will begin with a memorial at Mollie’s Grave. Community Worship Services will be held afterwards on the battleground. The last day winds down with another battle and announcement of the winners of the pageant. As fast as they came in, they gather their belongings and head back to their homes and jobs. They will be missed until the next year. If you would like more information about the Battle of Sacramento, you may call (270)736-5114 or email: battleofsac@dynasty.net.