Let me tell you about a spot with a little piece of history that you might just walk by if you didn’t know where to look. We’re talking about the cannonball, lodged in the side of a downtown building for more than 150 years. If you’re planning a day in our lovely town, make sure you visit this local treasure.
The Tale of the Cannonball
If you’re a history buff like me, you'll appreciate the rich tapestry of Elizabethtown’s past. Picture this: it’s 1862, in the midst of the Civil War, and Elizabethtown finds itself in the thick of the conflict. Confederate General, John Hunt Morgan, has his sights set on capturing the town and disrupting the vital Louisville & Nashville Railroad supply line. Morgan's artillery battery fires from Cemetery Hill as Union troops occupy the town. One cannonball strikes the Depp Building, embedding itself in the wall—a stark reminder of the town's turbulent past.
Unfortunately, the building was destroyed by a downtown fire in 1887, but the cannonball was recovered and preserved. After the fire, when downtown Elizabethtown was being rebuilt, they made sure to return the cannonball to its original location, where it remains today! An arrow marks its location serving as a tangible connection to the town’s Civil War history and one of Elizabethtown's fascinating historical sites.
Visiting the Cannonball
The best part about the cannonball is that it’s just a short walk from many other local spots. Start your day with a cozy breakfast at Vibe Coffee, just a stone’s throw away from the cannonball. And here’s a little tip: when you visit, take a moment to explore the rest of the downtown area. The shops, the restaurants, and the friendly faces you’ll meet are all part of what makes Elizabethtown so unique. There’s a certain charm in knowing you’re walking the same streets that have seen so much history.
Plan Your Visit to Elizabethtown
If you haven’t been to Elizabethtown yet, or it’s been a while since your last visit, now’s the perfect time to plan a trip. Whether you’re coming for the history, the food, or just the charm of a small town with a big heart, you’ll find something here to make you smile. Next time you’re in town, take a moment to stand in front of that old building, look up at the Cannonball, and imagine the stories it could tell!
