Institution

*More information regarding Fort Lytle is neededSince Bowling Green's location was vital for Confederate forces supply lines from Nashville, TN to Louisville, KY, fortifications and great efforts were needed to protect the hilly grounds of the city. Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner was appointed to be in charge of defending Bowling Green in September of 1861. With his 4,500 men, Buckler had eight fortifications constructed in and around the area, with emphasis on the roads, river and railways that form the transportation hubs for Bowling Green. All Buckler was able to do was disrupt some communication and supply lines for Union forces while in Bowling Green before having to be in charge of Fort Donelson&nbsp;in&nbsp;western KY that was under siege the Union under&nbsp;Grant. Buckner was forced into unconditional surrender. With the loss of Buckner and forts Henry and Donelson, the fate of Bowling Green was sealed. On February 14, 1862, the city was abandoned and captured the next day. This fort was originally called Fort Vinegar, for it was on then called Vinegar Hill. It was changed to Fort Lytle in honor of Union General William Lytle. Colonel Benjamin Harrison (future American president) oversaw the forts extension and renovations. The&nbsp;main regment that was used for the extenstions and renovations were the 12th Heavy Artillery U.S. Colored Troops. &nbsp;Since then, the fort's remains are now a part of Western Kentucky University. Some of the trenches now serve as walking paths for students.

Trenches/walking paths of former Fort Lytle

Col. Benjamin Harrison. Future 23rd US President

More Info

This was a Civil War fortification used by both sides during the war. This is also one of three forts that had defended Bowling Green whose remains are visible today. Lytle's remains has been incorporated into the College Hill section of Western Kentucky University. 

Fort Lytle

This tour begins with four historic markers found on the WKU campus, followed by a stop at the Railpark and Train Museum, moving on to two monuments located in the Fairview Cemetery, finally ending with a stop at the National Corvette Museum

The idea for the construction of Henry Hardin Cherry Hall (or Cherry Hall for short) was formulated by Louisville architect Brinton B. Davis. Nicknamed "the hill builder," Davis had designed a majority of the buildings at what became Western Kentucky University prior to that time. His plan was to use funds appropriated through the Public Works Administration to make improvements to the campus and expand classroom space.The crown jewel of the university, Cherry Hall was completed in 1937. Located at the intersection of College and 15th Streets, the building contained space for fifty classrooms, sixteen laboratories and sixty offices. At the time of its construction, Cherry also housed the campus bookstore and post office. The building contains three floors, as well as a basement which provides extra office and classroom space.The hall was named after Dr. Cherry, who died shortly after the completion of the building.As the University expanded over the years, the usage of Cherry Hall was modified. Over time, the post office and bookstore moved to different buildings on campus, while the construction of the Kelly Thompson Complex for Science facilitated the removal of the laboratory space from Cherry Hall. The former laboratories were subsequently converted into more classroom space.Cherry Hall currently serves as the locations of the Departments of English, History, Religion, Philosophy and University Experience. It also provides the headquarters of the WKU Forensics Team, a prominent club that has won numerous national competitions.In April 2006, the lower floors of Cherry Hall were damaged by a fire, which was determined to be arson. The damage to the hall was repaired and classes resumed in the facility the next semester. Four teenagers were arrested for the crime the following June.Cherry Hall provides a good deal of the symbolism associated with Western Kentucky University. The belltower atop the hall is part of the current logo of the school. The 25 chimes in the belltower cupola play once every fifteen minutes, to signal the time in order to aid students in keeping up with class times. At the top of every hour, the chimes play a longer tune to signal the new hour.Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry:*Information on Dr. Cherry comes from WKU's website-Born on November 16, 1864, on a Warren County farm about 10 miles north of Bowling Green. Cherry worked for his father until he was 21 and attended local common schools whenever possible. In 1886, he walked to Bowling Green and enrolled at the Southern Normal School. When his scant funds were exhausted, Cherry taught penmanship classes in the area until he could resume his studies. His exceptional talents attracted the attention of the school's administrators and within a short time he was teaching for the Southern Normal School. In 1892, when the school was on the verge of closing, Henry Hardin and brother Thomas Crittenden Cherry, purchased the institution and reorganized it as the Bowling Green Business College and Literary Institute. Two years later it became the Southern Normal School and Bowling Green Business College. H.H. Cherry purchased full ownership of the school in 1899 and the Southern Normal School part of the institution became Western Kentucky State Normal School in 1906. The first Board of Regents immediately elected Henry Hardin Cherry as its president. Cherry was still president of Western when he died in 1937. During that period he developed an outstanding physical plant and attracted an exceptional faculty. Western became one of the largest and best teacher training institutions in the nation. Endowed with the ability to inspire others to their best efforts, Cherry had a profound effect on thousands of students who came to the Hill. Daily chapel was the pulpit from which he preached that "The Spirit Makes the Master." Also active in such public affairs as the Farmer's Chautauqua and corn improvement projects for boy farmers, Cherry was one of the best known Kentuckians of his day. During the first third of the 20th Century, he was the leading educator in the state. Under his leadership, Western became a degree granting institution in 1922. While teacher training remained its primary function, the institution offered a growing number of programs in other fields. In recognition of his service, the University of Kentucky awarded him the LL.D. degree in 1911. A book of his speeches was published, and he co-authored texts for history and government students in Kentucky. Among his outstanding achievements were the establishment of the College Heights Foundation and the construction of the unique Kentucky Building with its outstanding library and museum. Few persons have ever had the satisfaction of coming so near the realization of a dream as did President Cherry in the building of Western. Yet, it was typical of the man that his goals always expanded as he neared completion of his goals. He served as a member of the Kentucky Education Association for 45 years, including two terms as president and 20 years as director. He died August 1, 1937.

Built with funds appropriated under the New Deal, the building was completed in 1937. It is named for Henry Hardin Cherry, who founded the Bowling Green Normal School, the forerunner of the modern Western Kentucky University

Henry Hardin Cherry Hall

The Heating Plant was constructed in 1927 to provide heat to the growing number of buildings on the campus of Western Kentucky University. It was designed by architect Brinton B. Davis of Louisville, nicknamed the "hill builder" for his hand in designing multiple structures at Western.The plant provided heat by way of underground pipes encased in concrete masonry. Originally, a spur of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad led to the building, which used coal transported by train for heat production.In 1963, the original building was expanded. In the 1970s, a new wing was added to the building, bordering College Heights Blvd.More recent upgrades to the facility have focused on the internal equipment used for steam generation. A project undertaken in 2002 focused on upgrading the boilers in the building, while another undertaken in 2006 focused on ancillirary equipment and emissions control at the plant. While the spur track has been removed, the railroad line still runs near the Heating Plant.Today, the plant is still in use. It is surrounded by many newer buildings, notably student parking structures and modern residence halls. The Plant is located near the intersection of College Heights Blvd. and University Blvd.

This plant was designed in 1927 to provide heating for the buildings of Western Kentucky University and is still in use today. 

Western Kentucky University Heating Plant

Architect Brinton B. Davis was known as the 'hill builder' because of his work from 1909-1939 as the architect for most of&nbsp;Western Kentucky University's buildings.&nbsp; This building, completed in 1911, is designed to look like the&nbsp;Acropolis's&nbsp;Erechtheion&nbsp;Temple. The most notable feature of the structure was a 1,600 seat&nbsp;auditorium&nbsp;for hosting concerts&nbsp;and public events, but Van Meter also contained office space.&nbsp;It was named for Captain Charles J. Van Meter, a local riverboat captain and developer. Today Van Meter Hall houses the office of Campus and Community Events.&nbsp;The auditorium is heavily used for theatrical performances, musical performances (concerts/symphonies/orchestras), guest speakers, pageants, various dance recitals, and Van Meter also serves as meeting space for large events hosted by the campus' president and other campus constituents. Many famous faces have performed on&nbsp;the stage of Van Meter Hall. Some are:&nbsp;Carlos Mencia&nbsp;(comedian),&nbsp;Anoushka Shankar&nbsp;(sitar player),&nbsp;KISS&nbsp;(rock band),&nbsp;Nancy Cartwright&nbsp;(voice of animated Bart Simpson),&nbsp;Charlie Daniels&nbsp;(country band), and more.&nbsp; The building has undergone minor renovations numerous times, most notably in 1968, 1969, and 1971. Van Meter Hall is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion, started in the spring of 2008. More area is being added to the rear of the building, which will allow the music and theatre departments added space. The overhaul of the building will also allow for improvements in lighting structures and seating, which will allow student musicians and actors to stage better performances in the auditorium. The&nbsp;building reopened&nbsp;Spring of 2010. Western Kentucky University has many ghost stories.&nbsp;In one such story Van Meter Hall is haunted by the&nbsp;ghost&nbsp;of a construction worker who was killed in a fall from above the auditorium stage during a renovation. Popular legend states that construction worker died in 1909 after seeing an airplane for the first time.&nbsp;Other versions of this tale refer to the death of an actress, a hermit living beneath the hall or the one-time president of the university Henry Hardin Cherry. The date of the supposed death is anytime between 1909 and the 1940s. The ghost is credited with moving furniture overnight, turning off lights and causing computer problems.

Van Meter Hall is a building on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Constructed in 1911, this was the first building constructed on Western Kentucky University's campus; also the first campus building designed by Louisville, KY native, Brinton B. Davis.  

Van Meter Hall

Resting on a hill in Bowling Green, Kentucky, are the remains of Fort C.F. Smith, one of three surviving reminders of Bowling Green’s original Civil War fortifications. Now little more than ruins, Fort C.F. Smith served as an important fortified position near the Kentucky-Tennessee border, overseeing vital supply depots and railway transportations. At the time of its construction, Fort C.F. Smith was the largest in a series of fortifications surrounding Bowling Green. Existing remnants of the original fortifications are located on the extreme southwest portion of the hill. Fort. C.F. Smith lies approximately 2,600 yards south of Fort Webb, and approximately 1,400 yards northeast of Fort Lytle on the summit of what is known as Reservoir Hill. A cut limestone marker (possibly used in the original construction) at the south end of an embankment reads “Earthworks thrown up under federal general Omsby M. Mitchell &amp; Col. (future President) Benjamin Harrison, 1862”. During the Civil War, Bowling Green served as an important military stronghold for both factions. Bowling Green’s position on the Barren River and its position between Louisville and Nashville, along with the L&amp;N Railroad, made the town a strategic stronghold (1 of 5) along the border from Eastern Kentucky to Western Tennessee. After Confederate forces abandoned the city, Union troops immediately set about completing and reinforcing the fort to protect the area from further rebel incursions. Union forces named the fort after Union commander Charles Ferguson Smith.  Today, the fort is known locally as Reservoir Hill or College Hill. The property was purchased by the City of Bowling Green in 1869 for use as a park and reservoir. Reservoir Hill has been continuously maintained as a neighborhood park.

Resting on a hill in Bowling Green, Kentucky, are the remains of Fort C.F. Smith, one of three surviving reminders of Bowling Green’s original Civil War fortifications. Now little more than ruins, Fort C.F. Smith served as an important fortified position near the Kentucky-Tennessee border, overseeing vital supply depots and railway transportations.

Fort C.F. Smith

*From Cecelia Memorial Presbyterian Church website:"Cecelia Memorial Presbyterian Church formerly Cumberland Presbyterian, had it's 
beginning around 1868. It was organized in the home of Dave and Cecelia Lillard. 
In 1926 the church united with The Presbyterian Church, and changed it's name to 
honor it's patroness, Cecelia Lillard.&nbsp; Mrs. Lillard had been born a slave, in 
Virginia, she and her husband, Dave were brought to Bowling Green by their 
owners, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Briggs Wright. Later, after receiving their 
freedom,&nbsp; they bought a small home, where the church was formed. Mrs Lillard, or 
Mother Cecelia, as she was affectionately known, was a very blessed lady, and 
lived to be 107 years old.&nbsp; We are thankful for every sacrifice she and her 
friends and family made, that allow us now, to worship with our little church 
family. We may be small in number, but you won't find a church with a bigger 
heart."The original church was built in 1845 and sold to the Cumberland Presbyterians in 1892. The Cecilia Presbyterian church, however, still meets at the same church building today.

The first Christian church organized in Bowling Green and is also one of the oldest churches in Warren County, KY. 

Cecelia Memorial Presbyterian Church

The Shake Rag DIstrict is located on State Street between 2nd and 5th avenues. Along the District are historic homes, businesses, schools and churches (many still used today) that formed the heart of the community.&nbsp;"Shake Rag" is believed to come from the 'wash days' established for every Monday where clothes were washed, then after shaking the clothes&nbsp;hung them&nbsp;to dry outside.&nbsp; *Found on <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/">http://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/</a>&nbsp;by McKenzie Martin: "&nbsp;Founded on land donated in 1802 for use as an African American public square, the neighborhood grew steadily following the Civil War and into the twentieth century.Life in Shake Rag revolved around church, school, and family. The State Street Baptist Church was founded by a group of slaves who were baptized and received membership from Bowling Green Baptist Church. Despite their membership, certain restrictions were placed on them, including not being allowed to participate in decision making and being required to sit in the gallery of the church. A member recalled it being '"a main source of the community's social as well as religious goings on."'In 1836, the church allowed the slaves to use the building one Sunday afternoon a month for their own worship service. Two years later, some slave members were granted permission to remove their membership from Bowling Green Baptist and to form their own place of worship. The slaves then founded State Street Baptist, which became the first historically Black independent Baptist Church in Bowling Green.Another significant institution in Shake Rag was the State Street schools. Evolved from the privately supported Bowling Green Academy, the State Street schools opened in 1883 and were the center of community activities. In 1955, High Street High School replaced State Street High, but it, too, remained a cornerstone of the community.The importance of community in Shake Rag provided a haven from the difficulties African Americans faced in a segregated Bowling Green by providing access to doctors, churches, schools, and businesses. This included a hotel to serve Black travelers who would have otherwise slept in their cars. What remains of Shake Rag today serves as a reminder of the accomplishments of this community despite social and economic hardships."The Shake Rag District has a path where one can conduct there own walking tour of the area, showcasing the most pertinent buildings and people for the District-*From Visit Bowling Green website:139 State Street&nbsp;Brunton Home Built around 1925, this Bungalow was the home and office of Dr. Isaac B. Brunton, a beloved physician in the community. The efficient yet stylish Bungalows were symbols of modernity in the early 20th century. 140 State Street&nbsp;Southern Queen Hotel / Covington-Moses Home Built in 1906 by James Covington, the Southern Queen hotel served Black travelers who were unable to stay in Bowling Green’s white hotels. It was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Covington and their niece Mrs. O.A. Moses. Mrs. Moses, a graduate of Fisk University and the University of Illinois was the first librarian of State Street High School. Mrs. Mattie Covington sold lunches to students before the school cafeteria was built.200 State Street&nbsp;State Street High School Gymnasium A landmark in Bowling Green, it was the location of many championship games for the State Street High Mustangs. The Gym annex was built in 1929.201 State Street&nbsp;Lee Square, The George Washington Carver Center is located on part of a parcel of land historically known as Lee Square. Bowling Green founded Robert Moore donated the land in 1802 for use as a public square for African American residents.202 State Street&nbsp;Former location of State Street High School. It was the first public school for African Americans in Bowling Green built in 1885. By 1886 the school had a roster of 411 students in eight grades. State Street High School represented a major accomplishment for the neighborhood and students achieved many successes in academics and athletics. Over half of the graduating class of 1929 went on to college. The school was razed in 1962.229 State Street&nbsp;Until 1927, the Bowling Green Academy for Girl’s Dormitory was located at the site where Bowling Green Auto Sales is now.302-304 State Street&nbsp;The former location of the Bowling Green Academy. Founded in 1884, the Presbyterian Private Academy was one of only a few educational institutions available to African Americans in Bowling Green. It was razed in the 1950s.313 State Street&nbsp;Hi-Way Drive Inn The Hi-Way Drive Inn, built in 1945, was a neighborhood cafe that also served travelers. Prior to the construction of 31W Bypass, State Street was part of the Dixie Highway, the main route through Bowling Green.332-334 State Street&nbsp;Built in the 1930s, these two distinctive Bungalows are mirror images of each other. John Brown, a stonemason, owned them. He and his wife owned and operated Nancy’s Tea Room on 3rd Avenue in the ShakeRag District.340 State Street&nbsp;State Street Baptist Church Built in 1898, this Victorian Gothic Romanesque Revival style church replaced an 1873 building destroyed by fire. Organized in 1838, it is the oldest African-American congregation in Bowling Green. State Street Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of the community.412 State Street&nbsp;Former Bowling Green – Warren County Public Library, Colored Branch Miss Bessic Woods ran the library that was established in her home in 1947. The branch had 3,500 books, a children’s room and recreational programs.414 State Street&nbsp;Alice’s Beauty Shop Built in the 1920s, this is one of three duplex Bungalows on the 400th block of State Street. Alice purchased the shop in the 1940s and continued its operation until 1995. Many young beauty college graduates were given internships in Alice’s shop. Today, under different ownership, it continues to operate under her name. Listed on the National Register.418 State Street&nbsp;The Frank Kister House Built in 1875, this two-story Victorian Eclectic style home is one of the oldest houses still standing in the neighborhood.439 State Street&nbsp;O.D. Porter and Tourist Home Built around 1890, this two and a half story home is a Victorian Free Classic style structure. It was the home of Doctor O.D. Porter, a graduate of Fisk University Medical School. He was one of the first Black physicians in Bowling Green. After his death, his widow operated the house as a tourist home.506 State Street&nbsp;Underwood-Jones Home This prominent brick house of two and a half stories was the home and office of Dr. Z.K. Jones. Built in 1875, the structure is Second Empire Italianate style with a Mansard roof.One notable resident of Shake Rag was Ernest Hogan. Born in the District in 1865, he would go on to become the first African-American&nbsp;entertainer to produce and star in a Broadway&nbsp;show (The Oyster Man&nbsp;in 1907) and helped popularized the musical genre of ragtime.In 1895 Hogan published several popular songs in a new musical genre, which he named ragtime.&nbsp;These hit songs included "La Pas Ma La" and "All Coons Look Alike to Me". The success of this last song created many derogatory imitations, known as "coon songs" because of their use of&nbsp;stereotypical&nbsp;images of Blacks.While Hogan was considered one of the most talented performers and comedians of his day,&nbsp;his contribution to the "coon song" craze haunted him. Before his death, he stated that he "regretted" using the&nbsp;slur&nbsp;in his song. He is buried in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Bowling Green.&nbsp;

The Shake Rag District was originally established around 1802, but shortly after the Civil War this African American community in Bowling Green Kentucky grew and expanded and became an important part of life for its residents during the Great Depression and segregation. The community is still active today.  

Shake Rag District 

In 1867, land was given to the church and plans for a permanent church building began right away. The church that stands today was completed in 1898 and the congregation later changed their name to&nbsp;State Street Baptist

This historic building was completed in 1898 was home to the first African-American congregation formally organized in Bowling Green. The congregation predates the building by 40 years, having been established in 1858 as the First Colored Baptist Church. The congregation was formed when Black members of the First Baptist Church in Bowling Green expressed a desire to form a church of their own that would operate autonomously from other white Baptist churches in the area.

State Street Baptist Church

<div>*Historic Rail Park website:</div><div>"How Did We Get Here</div><div>After approval by the Depot Development Authority and Operation Pride, the Historic Railroad Committee (now called the Friends of the L&amp;N Depot), an all-volunteer, non-profit group was formed for purpose of acquiring authentic, historic railroad cars for display at the Bowling Green Louisville and Nashville Depot. The goal of the Friends of the L&amp;N Depot is to provide a venue for tourism and local interest and for educational development, within a historic facility.</div><div>Within the museum, galleries of regional and national importance have been developed for public interest of cultural, historic and socioeconomic importance. Behind the museum lies 450 feet of track displaying an E8 Engine, a Railroad Post Office Car, the Duncan Hines Diner - a 1949 Pullman diner, the Towering Pine – a 1953 Pullman Sleeper, the 353 Presidential Office Car - the personal car of the president of the L&amp;N built in 1911, and a Chessie Class C-27 caboose. The first cars were placed there in May 2002 and community volunteers have worked hard to restore them to their original splendor. The cars are available for guided tours as well as rental for small catered community meetings on the diner, birthday parties in the caboose and many other special functions. Visit the facility rentals section of the site for more information.</div><div>Our Philosophy</div><div>All proceeds from the museum, gift shop and rail car tours are utilized in the ongoing continuation of the goals and efforts to produce an interactive museum of Smithsonian quality; the ongoing restoration efforts on the rail cars, as well as the cost of research, construction, maintenance, and acquisition of artifacts within the displays, exhibits and galleries."&nbsp;1<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://historicrailpark.com/about-us/">http://historicrailpark.com/about-us/</a></div><div></div><div>The first Bowling Green railroad depot was built in 1858 prior to the L&amp;N's rails reaching Bowling Green. The rail line from Nashville reached Bowling Green on August 10, 1859. The line between Louisville and Nashville was complete on October 18, 1859, and was celebrated by 10,000 Nashvillians.During the Civil War, the young L&amp;N found itself to be a point of contention between the North and South. Kentucky was integral to the war and President Lincoln summed up the situation in this manner: "I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game". Bowling Green was critical to both sides with its proximity to the Confederate state of Tennessee. The L&amp;N branched just south of Bowling Green with routes to Clarksville, TN, and the line to Memphis, TN, opening the path to the Western war plans. By 1863 the L&amp;N was the only railroad to cross both Union and Confederate Territories. The actions of L&amp;N President James Gutherie resulted in a contentious relationship with the U.S. War Department, after the Battle of Perryville sealed Kentucky's alliance, but saved the L&amp;N's future.When the Confederates were forced to retreat from the city in February 1862, they burned downtown and all the supplies they could not carry, as well as the depot and trains. The Union troops occupying the city set about building a new depot. It was a wooden building and served the railroad and people of Bowling Green into the 20th century.In 1878 malaria broke out from New Orleans to Memphis, Tennessee. Residents of Memphis wishing to escape the epidemic boarded the L&amp;N trains, but residents from other towns refused to let them leave the train at their towns. Bowling Green's station was the first place they could leave the train, but enormous bonfires were built in order to deter infection. The evacuation of Memphis lasted a few days, until Memphis was quarantined.By the 1880s, the depot was becoming too small to adequately serve all those who used it, and was in dire need of repair. However, the president of the L&amp;N, Milton H. Smith refused to build a new station in Bowling Green after the citizens chartered a competing railroad, the Bowling Green &amp; Ohio, that was to run east to Scottsville and connect with the Chattnooga &amp; Ohio out of Gallatin, TN. In retailiation, Milton Smith moved the railroad operations to Paris, TN, causing economic hardships for Bowling Green. Milton Smith died in 1921 and the current depot was opened with much fanfare October 2, 1925. It was constructed of limestone from the former White Stone Quarry located in southern Warren County, KY.The L&amp;N Railroad signed an exclusive contract with a taxicab company to pick up riders at the station so a rival company sued claiming an illegal monopoly in 1928. In Black and White Taxicab and Transfer Company v. Brown and Yellow Taxicab and Transfer Company, the United States Supreme Court upheld the contract.By the early 20th century, local agricultural goods, such as strawberries and tobacco, were shipped from Bowling Green's depot, as well as locally mined building stone and oil. This made Bowling Green's L&amp;N station the largest employment center in Warren County. During the 1930s and 1940s, the Bowling Green station was a stop for over 30 passenger trains, plus freight trains, on a daily basis. The L&amp;N and other railroads operated the South Wind, which made a stop in Bowling Green.With the signing the Transportation Act in 1957 to create a national interstate road system and the burgeoning popularity of air travel, passenger service began to decline in the 1960s. Amtrak replaced L&amp;N passenger service with the Floridian in 1971, and the last passenger train left the depot on October 6, 1979.Left abandoned for many years and ownership passing through the hand of several private owners, the depot was saved from the wrecking ball by a group of concerned citizens. They transferred ownership to Warren Fiscal Court and the City of Bowling Green in 1997. Funding for renovations was acquired through the federal Transportation Enhancement program. The Depot Development Authority (DDA) was organized by the local government to oversee the twelve year, five phase, renovation process. Daily operations were under the oversight of Operation P.R.I.D.E., Bowling Green's beautification organization.In 1999, the Bowling Green Public Library (now the Warren County Public Library) opened Kentucky's first Digital Library in the former train platform area. In 2002, the newly formed Historic Rail Committee located its first railcar on display tracks behind the depot. In 2007, the library relocated its services, Operation P.R.I.D.E. joined the City offices, and the Friends of L&amp;N Depot (formerly the Historic Rail Committee) opened its museum and retail operations.The Friends of L&amp;N Depot, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, manages the building operations through an agreement with the Warren Fiscal Court and City of Bowling Green, KY. The DDA was dissolved in 2008 having completed their assigned task of depot restoration.The L&amp;N depot currently serves as the home for The Historic Railpark and Train Museum, with a two-story museum in the old colored waiting room, and special events venue space in the original white waiting room. Museum docents provide behind the scenes guided tours of the railcars, including several very rare railroad equipment.</div>

The Historic Railpark and Train Museum, formerly the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Station in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is located in the historic railroad station. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1979. Opened in 1925, the standing depot is the third Louisville & Nashville Railroad depot that served Bowling Green.

Historic Railpark and Train Museum

Situated over the Barren River in Bowling Green, KY, the Louisville-Nashville Railroad Bridge played an important role in the Civil War. Being a border state, Kentucky proclaimed neutrality at the beginning of the war. This status was short-lived as both sides realized the strategic value, notably Bowling Green’s rail transportation system.	Confederate troops invaded Bowling Green on September 18, 1861, seizing control of the city and Warren county. The area surrounding the city was abundant with productive farms and fresh water, making it an ideal depot for armies moving through the region. The L&amp;N Railroad, and the Big Barren River, were reliable routes to move men and supplies quickly and efficiently. The area features hills that were easily fortified with artillery guns to protect transportation routes. Bowling Green was now the heart of Confederate operations in Kentucky. The Confederate hold over the territory became tenuous when Union armies secured victories at Mills Springs in Eastern Kentucky, and at Forts Henry and Donelson to the West. Union armies advanced and, by orders of General Ormsby Mitchel, Bowling Green was bombarded from across the Barren River. The Confederate army was forced to retreat, but not before sabotaging the L&amp;N Bridge in an attempt to hamstring further Union advance. After the capture of Bowling Green by the Union, Kentucky remained in federal control for the rest of the war.  The L&amp;N Railroad Bridge was one of the first bridges restored after 1862. The bridge consists of a single span, camelback through truss with diagonals placed in both tension and compression. This railroad bridge is the only rail access into Bowling Green from the north across the Barren River. The L&amp;N Railroad Bridge is one of only two remaining bridges of its truss type in the county, the other being a smaller scale, rural highway bridge. The structure remains a symbol of the historic importance of the railroad to the county seat of Warren County, and strongly contributes to the expression of the form of the community.

Situated over the Barren River in Bowling Green, KY, the Louisville-Nashville Railroad Bridge played an important role in the Civil War. Being a border state, Kentucky proclaimed neutrality at the beginning of the war. This status was short-lived as both sides realized the strategic value, notably Bowling Green’s rail transportation system.

L&N Railroad Bridge

The National Corvette Museum is located on Corvette Drive in
Bowling Green, Kentucky. With Corvettes found on over an 115,000 sq. ft. display,
it is very likely that you will learn about the history of the cars. For
children there are many educational programs offered such as camps, birthday
parties, scout groups, or field trips. The museum has its own library of
everything pertaining to the Corvette. The Library of Archives is a one stop
place for any question about any model Corvette car. The cost of research is
only free for non-members for 10 minutes, but after that it is $30.00 per hour.


Aside from admiring the cars, there are many other things to
do while visiting the National Corvette Museum. There is a Corvette Café themed
with classic American meals and shakes. There are plant tours that can be taken
where visitors can watch the cars as they are being made. Two miles from the
museum, guest can visit Motorsports Park where it is possible to take a test
ride in a Corvette or even take your own car for a spin on the track. Those who
are wishing to purchase a new Corvette can even pick their car up at the museum
while being given a V.I.P. tour of the Plant. This is not the only way you can be
given a unique tour, there are a variety of options for those wishing to get
the ultimate Corvette experience. 

The National Corvette Museum has multiple exhibits that are
displayed throughout the year. There is even opportunities for those who wish
to display their own car in the museum. Some of these include Car Part Art,
American Muscle, Indy Cars, and Gone but not Forgotten. So if you visit the
museum early in the year make sure to keep up to date with the upcoming,
special exhibits that will be featured at different times throughout the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2014, a 60 x 45 x 30 foot deep sinkhole destroyed eight
of the cars being showcased in the museum. Five of the cars were damaged so bad
that they could not be repaired; however, the others are repaired and back on
display. The ruined cars were valued at over $1 million dollars. Surveillance
captured the cars as they fell down into the sinkhole, one at a time. People
began coming to see the museum just because of the sinkhole. So, in fear of
losing attendance, the hole has been repaired, but a temporary exhibit displays
a sinkhole theme.

Organized by Terry McManmon – member of National Corvette Restorers Society – the National Corvette Museum opened in September of 1994 as a way to showcase the iconic American muscle cars. In the beginning, the museum was small and non-profit. In recent years, the museum has grown to a collection of 80 cars displayed in special exhibits for each era. 

Historic Sites and Museums in Bowling Green

Fort Lytle

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Additional Information