Jefferson Davis, like Abe Lincoln a native of Kentucky, to be honoured

Mar 20, 2008
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — Abraham Lincoln isn't the only Civil War-era historical figure receiving a tribute in Kentucky.

Lincoln's rival and fellow Kentuckian Jefferson Davis will be recognized in Hardin County on his 200th birthday in June, according to the News-Enterprise.

Davis, who as president of the Confederacy opposed Lincoln in the Civil War, was born June 3 near Hopkinsville in western Kentucky. Lincoln was born 199 years ago in what was then Hardin County in a small cabin near what later became Hodgenville.

The Hardin County History Museum, which last year opened a Lincoln exhibit, plans one for Davis in June, said spokeswoman Susan McCrobie.

The local Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter plans an event at Davis's birthplace. It will coincide with a June 7-8 state parks commemoration at the Jefferson Davis State Historic Site. It will include living history camps, guest speakers, music and appearances by members of Davis' family.

The state has spent millions of dollars for Lincoln activities as part of America's two-year bicentennial celebration. Residents of Hodgenville even took hospitality lessons to prepare for visitors. The town has a Lincoln Museum, where visitors can gaze upon a life-size portrait of the famous native Kentuckian, dioramas tracing his life and a three-drawer chest crafted by a man who as a childhood friend of Lincoln saved the future president from drowning. A Lincoln statue is the centrepiece of town square.

Several other programs are planned across Kentucky, including an exhibit at the Lexington History Museum beginning in May.