The Cannonball
A Civil War cannonball lodged in a building wall on Elizabethtown's historic town square. A tangible piece of history from General Morgan's raid.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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The Cannonball
Best Time
Best for viewing the marker
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Civil War cannonball lodged in a building wall on Elizabethtown's historic town square. A tangible piece of history from General Morgan's raid.
"A unique historical marker with a real cannonball, a quick and interesting stop on the town square."
📸 Snap a Photo
The cannonball is a unique sight! Grab a quick photo for your travel memories. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Square
Take a moment to walk around the town square after viewing the cannonball. :walking:
Highlights
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The Embedded Cannonball
Elizabethtown Town Square
A genuine cannonball from a Civil War raid, lodged in a building wall. A tangible piece of history.
Historical Marker
Elizabethtown Town Square
Details General John Hunt Morgan's 1862 raid and the artillery duel that scarred the town.
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A Glimpse of History
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap a Photo
The cannonball is a unique sight! Grab a quick photo for your travel memories. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Square
Take a moment to walk around the town square after viewing the cannonball. :walking:
🚗 Easy Parking
Parking is readily available in the town square, making access simple. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap a Photo
The cannonball is a unique sight! Grab a quick photo for your travel memories. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Square
Take a moment to walk around the town square after viewing the cannonball. :walking:
🚗 Easy Parking
Parking is readily available in the town square, making access simple. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Cannonball to be a unique and interesting historical marker, appreciating its tangible connection to the Civil War. Its convenient location on the town square makes it an easy and quick stop for those interested in local history.
"Walking the square in Elizabethtown, I read the marker and looked up. Yup, there's a four-inch cannonball stuck in the wall.
The marker below reads, "Gen. John Hunt Morgan's Raiders arrived in Elizabethtown on December 27, 1862, appearing on the brow of the hill that is now the City Cemetery. The main objective of the Christmas Raid was to burn two huge Louisville and Nashville Railroad trestles at Muldraugh Hill north of the town. By destroying the trestles, Morgan hoped to relive pressure on Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg's Army in Tennessee by cutting the flow of supplies to Union Gen. William S. Rosecrans' army. Before moving on Muldraugh Hill, Morgan wanted to neutralize the Union force in Elizabethtown. The Confederates placed artillery on the hill and demanded the surrender of the Union garrison. They refused and Morgan's artillery opened fire. The bombardment lasted twenty minutes; 107 rounds were fired upon the buildings in the town killing and wounding several of the soldiers who had taken refuge there."
Interesting history. Stop by, take a look. There is parking in the square."
Bruce InCharlotte
"It's a cannonball that was placed in a rebuilt building as close to the original location as they could. Take it for what it is."
Ziggy Zane
"Cooooool"
Ron deValinger
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cannonball is located in the heart of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, on the town square. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby.
The Cannonball refers to a historical marker and an actual cannonball embedded in the wall of a rebuilt building on the Elizabethtown square, marking a site from the Civil War.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to see The Cannonball. It's a historical marker and an embedded artifact in a public square, making it free to visit.
As it's an outdoor historical marker and artifact, The Cannonball can be viewed at any time. The surrounding town square may have its own hours for businesses.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visiting The Cannonball is a very quick experience, typically taking just a few minutes to read the marker and see the cannonball.
The cannonball is a remnant from a Civil War artillery bombardment by General John Hunt Morgan's Raiders in December 1862. The marker details the raid's objectives and the bombardment of the town.
Yes, the cannonball is located on the Elizabethtown town square, which offers shops and other points of interest to explore after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the cannonball itself embedded in the wall, and include the historical marker in your shot to provide context.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Consider pairing this visit with other local historical sites if available, to gain a broader understanding of the region's role during the war. The embedded cannonball itself is a powerful symbol of the conflict's impact.
Day-Trippers
Combine this stop with a walk around the square or a brief exploration of local shops to make the most of your brief visit. It's a simple way to add a unique historical element to your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Civil War Context
This bombardment, lasting twenty minutes and involving 107 rounds, resulted in the cannonball becoming lodged in a building. While the building itself has been rebuilt, the cannonball remains as a stark reminder of the conflict. The historical marker provides detailed information about the raid, the Union forces, and the impact on the town, making it an educational stop for those interested in Civil War history.
Visiting the Town Square
Parking is conveniently located in the square, making it easy for travelers to stop by for a quick visit. This accessibility makes The Cannonball an ideal roadside attraction or a brief detour for those passing through Elizabethtown. It's a simple yet impactful way to connect with local history.
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