Welcome to Station One
Station One marks the beginning of your journey through historic Fort Duffield, the Union stronghold built in late 1861 overlooking the strategic junction of the Ohio and Salt Rivers. This first stop introduces the fort’s purpose, the soldiers who built it, and the landscape that shaped its design.
The Strategic High Ground
Fort Duffield sits atop Pearman Hill, a commanding position chosen to protect Union supply routes feeding into Louisville. From this vantage point, soldiers could observe river traffic, Confederate movement, and the surrounding valleys.
Construction by the 9th Michigan & 1st Wisconsin
The fort was constructed by the 9th Michigan Infantry and the 1st Wisconsin Infantry. These men endured harsh weather, rugged terrain, and limited supplies while carving the fort’s earthworks into the hillside. Their work created one of Kentucky’s most impressive Civil War defensive positions.
What to Look For
- The steep incline soldiers climbed daily
- The natural defensive advantages of Pearman Hill
- The original earthwork contours still visible today
- The orientation of the fort toward strategic river routes
Continue the Tour
When you're ready, proceed along the trail to Station Two, where you’ll learn about the fort’s construction details and the daily life of the soldiers who built it.