Civil War & History
Laurel County has a lot to offer to Civil War and history enthusiasts. Civil War battlefields are part of our national heritage; scenes of struggle and sacrifice where American soldiers lost their lives. Laurel County is home to Camp Wildcat Civil War Battlefield and also hosts the annual Camp Wildcat Civil War Reenactment.
London, Laurel County, Kentucky is also home to the Laurel County History and Genealogy Center. It is housed in a revamped 8,000 square foot barn, next to a renovated barn turned event facility at Heritage Hills Park at the end of Falls Road. You can learn more about these historic features of London – Laurel County below.
Laurel County History Museum & Genealogy Center
Located in London, Laurel County, Kentucky, is the Laurel County History and Genealogy Center. It is housed in a revamped 8,000 square foot barn, next to a renovated barn turned event facility at Heritage Hills Park at the end of Falls Road.
The Laurel County History Museum and Genealogy Center is striving to make sure that Laurel County and the rest of the world remembers our history from the time before the Wilderness Road until yesterday. We want to honor the people who fought in our wars, who settled the area, who became famous, and those who have made a difference in the area simply by living here.
The Museum and Genealogy Center is 501-c3 and therefore any donations are tax deductible. It has been created, managed, and staffed by volunteers. London-Laurel Tourism has been and still is our staunchest supporter, but there is always room for more support. You can volunteer, contribute monetarily, donate artifacts, provide documentation, and attend events. This is YOUR history as well as ours. Help us preserve it for future generations.
Learn more at http://laurelcokyhistorymuseum.org
Camp Wildcat Civil War Battlefield
Located on the historic Old Wilderness Road, Camp Wildcat Civil War Battlefield features a pavilion with 26 interpretive signs, bathrooms, the original trenches and three walking trails with self guided interpretive signs.
About Camp Wildcat
Civil War battlefields are part of our national heritage; scenes of struggle and sacrifice where American soldiers lost their lives. Camp Wildcat Preservation Foundation was incorporated in 1994 with goals to preserve, protect and interpret this battlefield for future generations.
Camp Wildcat Civil War Reenactment
Battle of Wildcat Mountain Reenactment
Located 2 ½ miles from the actual battlefield on a historic Confederate encampment site, The Camp Wildcat Civil War Reenactment features period dress, cannons, artillery and more. This event takes place the 3rd full weekend of October.
Boone Trace
London-Laurel County is home to historical landmarks that traces the footsteps of Daniel Boone. Explore “That Little Road” by choosing a map best suited for your visit to The Boone Trace.
Mountain Life Museum
The Mountain Life Museum is a Levi Jackson Wilderness Park attraction that brings visitors into a pioneer settlement.
Buildings in the settlement were moved from other sites or built as replicas on the park. All buildings are filled with lots of pioneer relics including tools, products of agriculture and household implements. The museum consists of 7 buildings – an excellent attraction to visitors of Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. The Mountain Life Museum now houses craft items from local artists while offering a glimpse into Kentucky’s pioneer heritage. Contact the park for current operation hours. 606-330-2130.
Levi Jackson Family Cemetary
Levi Jackson’s family donated 307 acres to the state of Kentucky to develop a state park. It is now operated by the City of London.
Levi Jackson Family Cemetery is situated on a hilltop from Route 229 on the Old Wilderness Road. The paved driveway up the hill ends at the cemetery. It is opposite the entrance to the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. The Freeman family cemetery is just below the Jackson cemetery on the same side of the road.