The Civil War undoubtedly divided Kentucky, separating families and communities. It wreaked dramatic changes in the Commonwealth, which left an enduring impact.
Antebellum investments increased Kentucky’s border state value. Ships used the vital waterways. The Louisville and Nashville Railroad carried cargo between Northern and Southern states. Previously treacherous roads enabled travelers to bypass Union and Confederate government–mandated transportation permits and trade restrictions.
Regulations later included mandatory rationing . Guerrillas destroyed transportation routes to obtain supplies, while militia raided civilian stock, rarely providing compensation to sympathizers. Even before martial law was imposed on Kentucky, officers exercised their power.
Union General E.A. Paine instituted a "reign of terror" in mid–1864 Western Kentucky. He levied unauthorized taxes, exiled or executed alleged Confederate sympathizers, and forced manual labor on civilians. Though Paine was reprimanded, corruption continued.
Inflated 1864 pork prices resulted in the "Great Hog Swindle." This proposal would decrease military spending with direct purchases from Kentucky hog farmers, restricted to low–priced sales. Angry producers quickly forced abandonment; farmers lost substantially more than the government saved.
War devastated agricultural economics. Armies and raiders raised living costs and reduced production prices. Paper money depreciated quickly, so people hoarded coins. An 1862 legislative resolution issued stamps, or "fractional currency" for debt payment or conversion to banknotes. Soldiers often sent home meager wages, paid by their respective governments; money’s usefulness varied by regional loyalty. Women supported households and, to an extent, their uniformed men, whether through choice or necessity.
Kentucky women of lower social status likely saw few lifestyle changes; middle and upper class women adapted through implementing innovative recipes and paper clothing patterns. Sewing and quilting bees created homemade military supplies, communal camaraderie, and entertainment. Women’s organizations in cities excused plays and musicals as war relief fundraisers. "Visiting" armies justified social events, like parties, dances, and weddings. Though sometimes furthering social dissent, celebrations thoroughly disseminated period Northern and Southern music and literature.
Divided Kentuckian sentiments bred confusion and fear in the seemingly "neutral" church. Despite splintered congregations, ministers recited required loyalty oaths, but lamented over choosing sides in prayer. Nevertheless, church attendance fell as raids threatened unprotected property! Other faith–based groups faced less contention. Sometimes threatened, Shakers aided both sides. These pacifists commonly acquired draft exemptions. Impartial Sisters of Charity of Nazareth nurses or "Angels of the Battlefield" also earned respect. Sister Mary Lucy Dosh’s funeral merited blue and gray.
Many nurses died from illnesses contracted in unsanitary military hospitals converted from churches, schools, and other public buildings. Others nursed at the front in even worse "Camp Misery" hospitals. Illnesses and infections caused more deaths than battles.
Due to scarce labor and adversity, women assumed non–traditional roles. Decreased educational support suspended many teaching positions. Armies commandeered schools, leaving few untouched; male teachers enlisted or found better–paying occupations. Enlistment and upkeep of homes decimated enrollment.
Rural working women tended fields and raised children essentially alone, unless male relatives escaped the draft. Many women adopted male "protector" roles. Unionist Julia Ann Marcum injured a Confederate raider in 1861 to protect family. She was later recognized with US military honors! Though Marcum never enlisted, she and other women risked their lives to protect families and beliefs. Some pushed boundaries as spies or enlisting with male disguises! Quietly discharged if discovered, historians speculate several women got away with it!
The Civil War greatly impacted both white and African–American Kentuckians. African–Americans were, at most, second–class citizens. Kentucky splintered over slavery and, as a border state (generally considered "loyal") , received gentler treatment regarding related legislation.
Prejudice and segregation abounded even after the authorization of African–American recruitment, which initially excluded Kentucky. In 1863, Union Major General Ambrose Burnside established Camp Nelson, which became an African–American sanctuary. Without clear policies, Union forces evicted refugees in 1864, provoking Federal freedom for recruits’ families. Refugees re–obtained their camp, despite Kentucky’s slave marriage denunciation.
Other African–Americans had less security. Slaveholders feared "plotting" and supported integrated churches. African–American congregations eventually expanded, becoming "free" expression hubs. As post–war "Palmer Passes" eased movement, freedmen and ex–slave intrastate migration established notable urban communities around Kentucky and the US.
Mobility never equaled "freedom." Many slaves attempted escape, but fugitive slave laws and bounties encouraged their return. Whites who assisted, like Delia Ann Webster, were arrested. The Emancipation Proclamation promised freedom, but exempted "loyal" Kentucky. Finally, in 1865, the 13th Amendment prohibited slavery, despite Kentucky’s rejection of the act. Equality struggles remained.
Each Kentuckian, regardless of race, gender, or class, felt the Civil War’s effects. Social and cultural developments during the following decades reflected its impact. Even 150 years later, notable scars endure in society.
