Kentucky is home to many ghost stories, several of which stem from historic events. Whether you believe in these haunted tales or not, it makes sense that if ghosts were to be found anywhere, it would be in a place that has seen incredible tragedy. Located southwest of Lexington, the small town of Perryville is a historic hidden gem that is basically a living museum. With the Perryville Battlefield from the Civil War close by and many historic homes and buildings, it’s no wonder that this mysterious Kentucky town is home to more ghosts than (living) people.
Perryville is a lovely small town in central Kentucky that - unfortunately - has a tragic past. Today, the city preserves and remembers the past, while also maintaining a charming vision for the future.
Facebook/Main Street Perryville
If you’ve ever visited Perryville, it was likely for its history and Civil War battlefield. While these truly warrant a visit, the town itself deserves your attention when you are in the area.
Facebook/Main Street Perryville
And it’s both the town and the battlefield, as well as surrounding homes, buildings, and hotels, that are said to be haunted by countless spirits. Ghost stories about Perryville are as common as bedtime stories.
Facebook/Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
Perryville was home to the bloodiest Civil War battle in Kentucky, as more than 7,600 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing. The town and the historic site often hold reenactments, so you can learn firsthand the happenings of this time period in Perryville.
Facebook/Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
The reenactments may include real people, but it’s the spirits of the people who were once in the town that is the source of many tales. Of course, there are stories of the spirits of soldiers that roam the town and the battlefield, but many shops and restaurants have their own stories as well.
Photo Courtesy of Bill French / @bill.french.photography
Chaplin River Antiques, shown below, is one spot you should visit while in town. Browse the unique and collectible items, and be sure to say hello to the two ghostly soldiers that supposedly live in the basement.
Facebook/Chaplin River Antiques
Elmwood Inn is now a private residence, but during the Civil War, it was a hospital. The original floors, which are still in place to this day, were stained with the blood of countless soldiers. This stately home has also been a school, a well-known restaurant, and a tea house over the decades.
Photo Courtesy of Bill French / @bill.french.photography
The Dye House, shown below as it appeared in 1898, still stands today. While you can’t currently go inside, there are plans for restoration. There are bound to be plenty of ghost stories from those who are working to bring this home back to life.
Facebook/Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
In a town that has seen as much bloodshed as Perryville, it is not surprising that the ghosts of the past may just outnumber the residents. But don’t let these haunting tales keep you away from an important historic site and a town that is as charming as it is mysterious.
Facebook/Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
Perryville makes for a great day trip from many parts of Kentucky, as you can visit the town, the battlefield, learn about the history of the area, and maybe even run into a ghost or two. Have you spent time in this historic town? Do you have any ghost stories? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Facebook/Main Street Perryville
Facebook/Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
Photo Courtesy of Bill French / @bill.french.photography
Facebook/Chaplin River Antiques
If you’d like to begin your visit at the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, it is located at 1825 Battlefield Rd., Perryville, KY 40468 and you can learn more about it here.
And for more bone-chilling places around Kentucky, check out this mysterious road trip in our previous article here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
