Columbus-Belmont State Park is a 156-acre site that played a fascinating role in the War Between the States. The 1861 Battle of Belmont, fought to overtake the Confederate stronghold here, marked the opening of the Union's Western Campaign. It was also Union General Ulysses S. Grant's first active engagement in the Civil War.

Columbus, Kentucky was an important trading center and the strategic location for control of the Mississippi River. Nineteen thousand rebel soldiers under the command of Confederate General Leonidas Polk, "the fighting bishop from Tennessee," labored to turn Columbus into an impregnable fortress named Fort De Russey to defend the Confederacy.

A floating battery was positioned on the river and several river steamers were converted into gunboats; 140 heavy guns were situated on the bluffs and a huge chain was stretched across the river. A second rebel camp was built at Belmont, on the Missouri side of the river. Columbus became known as the "Gibraltar of the West."

Union General U. S. Grant attacked the Belmont camp in November 1861. After a sharp skirmish, the Confederates were forced to retreat, and Grant turned his guns on the main stronghold at Columbus. However, he was overpowered, and, after burning the camp at Belmont, he withdrew upriver.

The battle ended all Union ideas of taking Columbus by direct assault. The Union troops proceeded to take weaker positions around Columbus. Outflanked, the Confederates evacuated Columbus in February 1862. One month later Union troops occupied the area and eventually reopened the Mississippi River.

Activity Center

Enjoy your next business meeting, family reunion, or social function at the beautiful Activity Center. This modern hill-top facility is carved out of the surrounding woodland, near the bluffs of the Mississippi River. The spacious Activity Room accommodates 200 guests, and the Conference Room seats 50 guests. For all your meeting needs, the center features banquet tables, audio-visual equipment, presentation materials, a dance floor, stage, and kitchen. Park administrative offices are also located in the Center. $ for rental.

Camping

Campers relax amid beautiful settings on the river cliff campground. The campground has 38 sites with utility hookups and grills. A central service building offers rest rooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
Open April-Oct. No advance reservations. Check-out by 2:00 p.m., Central time, Rates. Pets are allowed if restrained.

Cannon & Anchor

Some of the artillery which shelled the Union troops, and the six-ton anchor that held the great chain stretching across the river are on display in the park.

Recreational Facilities

Miniature Golf
The entire family will enjoy playing a round on the park's miniature golf course.
Open May 1-September 30; weekends only after Labor Day. $.

Historic Trails
Dramatic images of the Civil War come to mind when walking on the bluffs and massive earthenworks that formed the Confederate trenches. These trenches are now 2.5 miles of self-guiding hiking trails.

Picnicking
Columbus-Belmont is the perfect locale for your next picnic outing. The park's facilities include picnic tables, grills and a playground, as well as four picnic shelters. Shelters available for rental up to one year in advance.

In April 2003, Columbus-Belmont unveiled new exhibits in a farmhouse identified locally as the Civil War infirmary. Visitors become immersed in the Civil War, when hundreds of thousands of soldiers passing this site saw an earthwork "fortress" comparable to Spain's Rock of Gilbraltar. Four galleries reinterpret some of the many stories of what happened here. Click here for more of the story.
Open weekends through April 9 a.m.-5 p.mSaturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Open daily May-September 9 a.m.-5 p.m; weekends again in October, $2 admission for adults; $1.50 for children. Group rate for ten or more persons: $1.50 for adults; $1 for children.

Gift Shop

Browse among Kentucky handcrafts in the gift shop.
Open May-September; weekends only after Labor Day.

Snack Bar

Sandwiches, soft drinks, and snacks can be purchased at the park snack bar.
Open May 1-September 30; weekends only after Labor Day.

Special Events

Enjoy Civil War Days at Columbus-Belmont in October. 2003 dates are Oct 10-12. For other event information, click on the events button at the top of the page or go to the Kentucky State Parks Booklet Order Page to order the state parks booklet which includes special events..

Location & Contact Information

COLUMBUS-BELMONT STATE PARK
350 Park Road, Columbus KY 42032

(270) 677-2327

The park is located 36 miles southwest of Paducah on KY 58 and KY 123/80. Here is an area map.

Other Parks Nearby

Kenlake State Resort Park is 63 miles east of the park on US 68E.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is 62 miles northeast on US 641.

Area Attractions

Check out Kentucky's Western Lakes and Rivers to find out more about attractions near Columbus-Belmont. The park is in the "Purchase Area."

Camping Rates

Columbus-Belmont State Park Office will close at the end of business day December 21, 2003 and reopen December 28, 2003.