Hart County Civil War Days: Battle for the Bridge

Schedule of Events

Mary Beth Sallee

Editor

Hart Co. News-Herald

 

History is coming to life this weekend in Hart County as the community hosts its annual Civil War Days: Battle for the Bridge, a three-day event packed with reenactments, parades, music, and living history experiences.

The festival runs Friday, September 12, through Sunday, September 14 at the Original Battlefield (Battles and Camps, 812 Rush Island Bend Rd., Horse Cave) and on the Courthouse lawn (200 Main St., Munfordville).

The battlefield reenactment is free to watch for visitors, offering a rare opportunity to step back in time and witness the sights, sounds, and stories of the Civil War era.

In addition to the reenactment, other event highlights include a special appearance by Abraham Lincoln, a downtown parade, the Blue Gray Ball, lantern tours, antique car rides, vendor booths, food trucks, and much more.

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 12, 2025

• 8 a.m. – Camps open at Battlefield
• 9 a.m. – Hart County Historical Museum opens
• 10 a.m. – School Day at Battlefield begins
• 5 p.m. – Camps closed to the public
• 6 p.m. – Blue Gray Ball at Courthouse
• 7:30 p.m. – Battlefield Lantern Tour
• Throughout the Day – Vendors, food, and more at the Courthouse lawn

Saturday, September 13, 2025

• 7 a.m. – Lions Club Pancake Breakfast
• 8 a.m. – Hart County Historical Museum opens
• 8 a.m. – Camps open at Battlefield
• 10 a.m. – Parade in downtown Munfordville
• 12 p.m. – Ladies’ Tea and Luncheon at Battlefield
• 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Antique Car Rides, $10 for adults
• 2 p.m. – Battle Reenactment at Battlefield
• 5 p.m. – Camps closes tothe  public
• Throughout the Day – Vendors, food, antique car rides, music, and more at the Courthouse lawn

 

• 

  The Civil War Days Parade will take place Saturday, September 13 at 10 a.m. in downtown Munfordville. Jobe 2024 File Photo.

The Civil War Days Parade will occur Saturday, September 13 at 10 a.m. along Main Street in downtown Munfordville. Line-up for parade participants begins at 9 a.m. (walkers behind Hart County Bank and vehicles behind Hart County Public Library). There is no fee to participate. For more information, contact Steve Kistler at 270-774-1275 or kistlers76@gmail.com.

The Ladies Tea and Luncheon will take place on Saturday, September 13 at 12 p.m. at the Battlefield Pavilion. Enjoy beautiful period music by a live band, eat homemade food, and learn historical facts on women and their role during a memorial of fallen soldiers. The cost is $10 per person for the public, and free to registered reenactors. Pay at the site. The menu includes ham, chicken, and dressing, hashbrown casserole, butterbeans, pasta salad, and blackberry cobbler.

On Saturday, September 13, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., go “Riding with Clara Jane”. This is a thrilling 25-minute antique car ride through the historic heart of Munfordville, including a unique drive through the well-preserved Fort Willich. Cost is $10 per adult, kids 12 and under ride free. Reserve your time slot by calling the Hart County Historical Society Museum at 270-524-0101.

The music for Saturday, September 13 will occur at a special tent located near the red light in downtown Munfordville, adjacent to the Courthouse lawn. The music schedule is as follows:

• 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Friendship Youth Choir
• 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Ronnie Whittaker
• 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Kyle Doty
• 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. – One Lane Bridge
• 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Break
• 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Bonnieville School Rock Band (6th-8th Grade)
• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Happiness Jones Band

Sunday, September 14, 2025

• 1 p.m. – Battlefield events only, with battle reenactment and snacks

Additional Information

Reenactor registration is $10 in advance online or $12 on the day of the event. The vendor fees vary: $10 for a non-profit/non-selling booth, $25 for a non-profit selling booth, $50 for a political government/business advertisement booth, $50 for an arts and crafts/boutique booth, and $100 for a food truck/booth. Vendor fees and full details are available at https://battleforthebridgepreserve.com.

An updated schedule with listings of time of events as they are confirmed can also be found at this website. More information can also be found on the The Woodson House and Battle for the Bridge Preserve Facebook page at www.facebook.com/woodsonhousebattleforbridgepreserve, the Hart County Historical Museum Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HartCountyHistoricalMuseum, and the Munfordville Tourism Facebook page at www.facebook.com/visitmunfordville.
Hart County’s Civil War Days: Battle for the Bridge weekend promises to be both educational and entertaining, making it a must-attend event for families, history buffs, and everyone of all ages.