23 August 16

As an unwavering pacifist, I cannot ever "celebrate" war in any form. But my blue-and-gray tie today recognizes the impact of war in the history of the region I call my home. The "Skirmish of Big Hill" on 23 August 1862 took place about 20 miles from my house, near McKee, KY, and was a "prelude" to the larger Battle of Richmond six days later. Kentucky was regarded as neutral territory between the North and the South, but that did not mean the absence of violence as the rival troops needed to "practice" and "reconnoiter" for their major battles. You can read details about the Skirmish of Big Hill at http://www.visitjacksoncountyky.org/#!civil-war/c1is3.