Department of Parks
Battle of Perryville Draws Thousands To Boyle County

PERRYVILLE, Ky. – An estimated 37,000 people attended the Battle of Perryville national Civil War re-enactment the weekend of Oct. 7-8, according to the Department of Parks.

This includes more than 3,800 re-enactors who portrayed soldiers and civilians from the Civil War era. Perryville was the largest Civil War battle in Kentucky. The re-enactment is an annual event that normally draws about 800 re-enactors, but because of the national designation, more re-enactors and visitors attended.

“We had great weather and a great turn out for this event,” said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller. “Of course, it would not have been possible without the help from the local governments, civic groups and volunteers who helped us prepare and put on this event.”

The re-enactment was sponsored by the Department of Parks and the Perryville Battlefield Preservation Association. It took place on the grounds of the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site.

Mary Quinn Ramer, executive director of the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the economic impact for the local economy was significant.

“From hotel rooms to food and gas purchases, we estimate this event contributed $3 million to the local economy,” Ramer said. “That's a sizeable amount for a two-day event, and we're delighted with the outcome."

Next year’s national re-enactment is scheduled to take place at Mill Springs near Somerset on Sept. 29-30. For more information, go to www.millsprings.net

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov