As the Civil War became a reality, Kentucky was divided both politically and geographically in the division of the north and south. Kentucky had strong ties to both through blood and economic factors. They initially chose to remain in the union but to adopt a neutral stance. What influenced Kentucky to adopt a neutrality stance and could they remain neutral throughout the entire Civil War? This paper will explore Kentucky’s neutrality; it’s importance to the north and to the south, and their final stand.

In the mid 1800’s, the United States had grown dramatically. As it grew so did the differences between the colonies of the north and south. These differences were developed from their economic need, as well as, their cultural upbringings. But the major difference was that the north felt strong about a national government unity and the south believed individual states should have more internal control. The north abolitionists also did not agree with the south about the owning or the use of slave labor. There are differing opinions and writings on the reasons for this disagreement about slavery. The northern and southern interpretations of the C

ivil War vary. This paper is designed to explore Kentucky’s role in the Civil War.

Kentucky was important to both the union and the confederacy. More so than the other Border States the reason for this was more geographical reasons than political reasons. Kentucky was rich with waterway access. Access from the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers helped to determine the geographical divide for the South, as the Ohio River helped to determine the boundary for the north.

Lincoln realized that Kentucky, along with the other Border States could choose alliance with the confederacy at any time. This was of concern to him, more so about the possibility of losing Kentucky. Lincoln stated that to “lose Kentucky would be to lose the war” and that “he hoped God was on the Union’s side, but he must have Kentucky.” (Speed, 57-62)

Magoffin called a special session on May 6, 1861 to advocate to the legislators the need to secede from the Union. However, legislation had other ideas; on May 16, 1861 they proclaim neutrality. Magoffin officially presented Kentucky’s adoption of neutrality on May 20, 1861, with a warning that neither the north nor the south were to send troops to Kentucky. (Shortridge 289-292) He also advised that no Kentuckian join forces with either side.

Some topics in this essay:
Civil War, Governor Magoffin, Kentuckians Kentuckians, Constitution United, Louisville Courier, Ohio Mississippi, Maryland Missouri, Republican Party”, Kentucky Shortridge, Douglas Breckenridge, north south, governor magoffin, civil war, slavery abolished, secede union, slave labor, slave owners, union confederacy, union adopt neutral, recognized union, lincoln realized, readily support lincoln, remain union adopt, north south kentucky, violated neutrality agreement,