Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is located in the state of Kentucky and is a popular destination for history lovers.


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Summary

The battlefield is considered to be one of the most well-preserved Civil War sites in the United States.

There are several reasons to visit Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, including the opportunity to learn about the Battle of Perryville, which was fought on October 8, 1862. Visitors can explore the battlefield and gain a deeper understanding of the strategies and tactics used by both the Union and Confederate armies during the battle.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site include the Visitor Center, which features exhibits, artifacts, and a film about the battle. The park also features several walking and driving tours that take visitors to key locations throughout the battlefield, including the Bottom House, which served as a field hospital during the battle.

Interesting facts about the area include that the Battle of Perryville was the largest Civil War battle fought in Kentucky, with more than 70,000 soldiers involved. The battlefield is also the site of the Perryville Battlefield Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many of the soldiers who died during the battle.

The best time of year to visit Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is typically during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including reenactments, living history demonstrations, and more.

Overall, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is an important historical destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a Civil War buff or simply interested in learning more about the history of Kentucky, this site is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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