Kentucky-the Dark and Bloody Ground
Written: Sep 30 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: beautiful landscape, wildlife, fishing
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: Even without the alcohol revenue, Somerset, Kentucky is doing just fine. And all neighboring vacation spots.
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| rngpie's Full Review: Kentucky |
Kentucky-named by the Native Americans, the term meaning " dark and bloody ground". The Natives named it this because of all the wars with the Natives and the settlers.
Neutrality
There other facts such as, Kentucky was considered neutral during the Civil War. Many slaves traveled to Kentucky hoping for a passage on north. In Somerset, where I live, we even have part of an underground tunnel once used by the slaves. There is another such tunnel, in Lexington underneath a private owned residence, it lead to the train station. That part of the tunnel is now boarded up, which is a pity, because I think it would be wonderful to travel the tunnels as the slaves did. What a wonderful living History that could be.
Nancy, Kentucky
Kentucky also offers the only still open National Cemetary. All other National Cemetaries are closed due to lack of expansion, but here in Nancy, Kentucky, we have Mill Springs National Cemetary. The cemetary is on a large privately owned farm. The owner of the farm continues to deed out more and more land as needed to the cemetary.
Also featured in Nancy, Kentucky is the General Zolliecoffer Confederate Cemetary. It was at this small farm that General Zolliecoffer and his small troop met their demise during an ambush, during the Civil War. What is interesting about this cemetary is the fact that it is one of the few Confederate cemetaries. At the Zollicoffer cemetary, you will find a large needle monument that marks the spot that General Zolliecoffer was killed in battle. There is also a monument marking an area in which the Confederates were buried in one heap-this is how most enemies are buried during war. There is also a smaller section with individual white markers to represent individual soldiers killed during this battle. At the entrance to the cemetary, there was an eternal flame burning-unfortunately, someone tapped into the gasline, and the flame is out at this time. Despite this, there are regular tours given of the battlefield at no cost, and tourists are always welcome.
Burnside,KY
Another Historical site is the small town of Burnside. The birthplace of the Boy Scouts. These young boys were put into service during the Civil War. The scouts would bring rations and/or supplies to the soldiers as needed. Although they never ventured to the front lines, their service was much needed and very appreciated. Since that time, the Boy Scouts has scattered to all states and the curriculm for being a scout has been added to.
Burnside is one of only a few towns to completely change locations. The original Burnside, now lies under Lake Cumberland and it's flowing waters. When Wolf Creek Dam was built in the early 50's, the city of Burnside had to move to the higher land. Rumor has it, that divers can still find parts of foundations, and old stoves under the murky waters of Lake Cumberland.
Stearns,KY
In historic Stearns, Cumberland Falls is found. This is a natural landmark. It is about 35 ft. high. The falls are beautiful during the daytime, but the true wonder comes in when in late fall, the moon creates a moonbow over the falls. We have photographers from all over coming to snap the moonbow. The parks department has turned all of this area into a nice wildlife park/refuge. In addition to seeing the falls, there are plenty of nature trails to hike. There are caves to explore and many smaller falls in the area. The wildlife abound. Deer, squirrels, raccoon and all types of birds are plentiful. Snakes and lizards can also be found in the right climate.
Liberty, KY
If you visit Liberty, Ky in the first weekend of October, you are in for a special treat. It is at this time that the World's largest apple pie is baked. Liberty brags to have the largest apple festival. In addition to the apple pie, there is a parade, and a carnival type feel to the air. Tourists come from all over to visit the apple festival.
Liberty is still interesting without the apple festival. There is a small Amish settlement in the outskirts of Liberty. These fine folks grow the sweetest watermelons, the largest pumpkins, and quilt the prettiest quilts. Although, the folks can speak English, you will still find them speaking their Native Dutch( I think) to each other. The children area adorable in their long dresses and overalls. Although, the women do not believe in wearing pants themselves, they show no remorse to the visitors who do wear pants, or even shorts. These folk are a quiet folk and are very helpful to their neighbors, both Amish and non-Amish alike.
Somerset, KY
Somerset is located in the center of all the towns mentioned. We offer our own woody lands and deer population but we also offer a healthy commerce region. At this time, we have a small 2 year college and a 2 year technical school. Both are filled to capacity every semester. We have a large Super WalMart, and a large Center that is used for a variety of learning and entertainment purposes. Last weekend, Damn Yankees were down for a special concert. We have also had John Michael Montgomery and a host of other country stars.
In addition to the business district, we were host to one of the few Carnegie Libraries. Andrew Carnegie built the libraries in rural sections so that all may have access to books and learning. This was the predeccessor to the Congress enabled Public Library.
We offer a variety of hotels, motels and weekend getaways. From spring until late fall, Somerset is filled with tourists from a variety of states and countries.
With all the beauty of the land and animals, we see no reason to clutter our landscapes with bars and liquor stores so we have chosen to remain dry-otherwise known as alcohol free. (Although, some natives here will say it can be bought, just at a higher price)
What anguish our Kroger cashiers go through each tourist season as a belligerent tourist demands to know where the beer is. These tourists have never heard of a dry county or have never lived in one. Sure, they tell us, this place will never make it without alcohol or without the alcohol tax, yet each year we continue to host one of the busiest tourist seasons in the state. The extra police, bumper to bumper traffic, and the packed restaurants and motels prove that.
We even have one of the only Cracker Barrel restaurants that is located no where near an interstate. We also have a Ruby Tuesdays, and Red Lobster is thinking of moving in. Moving in here, Somerset, KY-where no alcohol sales are allowed.
For a scenic vacation, try Kentucky, you wont be sorry you did!!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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rngpie
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Location: Somerset, KY
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