The Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County announces the 4^th Annual Tobacco War Pilgrimage  to be held on September 25 & 26, 2015. The events of the weekend commemorate a period of agricultural crisis, economic boycott, and vigilante rebellion that affected every aspect of life in the region. Join us Friday night for an Old Time Street Fair and the Night Rider Tobacco Raid Re-enactment. Saturday’s events include an author’s discussion and book signing at Books of the Black patch, a special presentation by the Black Patch Three, and a performance of The Trial of the Night Riders: How Say You?.

Tickets can be purchased at the Pennyroyal Area Museum, 217 E. 9^th Street in Hopkinsville, or online at Tobacco War Pilgrimage Tickets.

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 25, 2015

• Price Hollowell, Kentucky Chautauqua living history performer, Area Schools
  • The son of an avid opponent of the Association and the Night Riders, Price Hollowell experienced the violence of the Tobacco War first-hand. This presentation offers a different perspective of the Night Rider conflict.
  • Kentucky Chautauqua performers travel throughout the state delivering to community organizations their historically accurate dramatizations of Kentuckians who made a difference.
  • Performances held at three local schools on Friday, September 25. These performances support the Museum’s dedication to providing learning experiences for our community.
• Old Time Street Fair, Liberty Street between the Pennyroyal Area Museum and First Presbyterian Church
  • Old-fashioned games, live music, and food provide good wholesome fun for the whole family!
  • FREE popcorn and cotton candy. Chili, hot dogs, chips, desserts, and drinks will be available for purchase.
  • Times: 6 – 9pm
  • Cost: FREE, sponsored by First Presbyterian Church
• Night Rider Tobacco Raid Re-enactment, Pennyroyal Area Museum, 217 E. 9th Street
  
  • This hayride re-enacts the night of December 7, 1907 when an army of Night Riders attacked and burned tobacco warehouses in downtown Hopkinsville.
  • Times: 7pm and 9pm
  • Cost: $12; $10 for Museum Members

Saturday, September 26, 2015

• Books of the Black Patch, Forbes Conference & Events Center, 1002 S. Virginia Street
  
  • Meet the authors and explore books that celebrate regional agriculture.
  • Titles include On Bended Knees, Tobacco Barns of Western Kentucky and Things Along the Way, and Farming in the Black Patch.
  • Purchase a book and get it signed by the author.
  • Time: 11am
  • Cost: FREE
• The Black Patch Three: A Conversation about the Night Riders, Forbes Conference & Events Center, 1002 S. Virginia Street
  • William T. Turner (Christian County, KY), Judge Bill Cunningham (Lyon County, KY), and Rick Gregory (Robertson County, TN), three leading experts on regional history, come together to discuss the history, culture, and ramifications of the Tobacco War on this region.
  • These three men have a combined knowledge of the region that is beyond compare. Bringing years of research, family connections, and a good dose of charm, their presentation is sure to educate and entertain.
  • Time: 2pm
  • Cost: FREE
• Trial of the Night Riders: How Say You?, Christian County Courthouse
  • In 1911, the Night Rider movement culminated with the trial of Dr. David Amoss, the movement’s alleged leader, in the Christian County Courthouse. This thought-provoking play depicts the landmark event that decided the fate of the Night Riders, once and for all.
  • Time: 7:30pm
  • Cost: $12; $10 for Museum Members

Purchase tickets at the Pennyroyal Area Museum or click Tickets to buy online.

Want to take advantage of all Hopkinsville has to offer? Visit Hopkinsville provides all you need to know about where to stay, eat, and play.

The Tobacco Wars affected the entire dark-fired tobacco region in western Kentucky and Tennessee.

Interested in learning about other events connected to this period in history? Check out what Princeton, KY and Adams, TN have to offer:

• Adsmore Museum: Black Patch War setting & Black Patch War Candlelight Tour
• Bell Witch Fall Festival: Red River Tales & Smoke: A Ballad of the Night Riders

Huge THANKS to our sponsors!