The Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County announces the 5^th Annual Tobacco War Pilgrimage  to be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016. This day-long series of events commemorates a period of agricultural crisis, economic boycott, and vigilante rebellion that affected every aspect of life in the region.

The headline event will be the Night Rider Tobacco Raid Re-enactment on Saturday night at 7pm. In its 34th year, this hayride traces the route that Night Riders took when they invaded Hopkinsville to burn tobacco warehouses on December 7, 1907. This year, we are presenting an extended version of the hayride. Ever wonder what happened to the men who were accused of leading the raid? Meet their alleged leader and find out his fate at the conclusion of the hayride.

Other events throughout the day include an open Paint Party at Griffin’s Studio, a Books of the Black Patch discussion at the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, and the Old Time Street Fair sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. In addition, Price Hollowell, a Kentucky Chautauqua living history performer, will present to three local schools on Friday, September 23. (See below for complete schedule with prices.)

There is only one hayride this year – so be sure to get your tickets soon!

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

Full Schedule of Events

Friday, September 23, 2016

• 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 23. These performances support the Museum’s dedication to providing learning experiences for our community.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

• Open Paint Party, Griffin’s Studio, 100 E. 6th Street
  • Drop by the studio and paint your own rural masterpiece
  • Painting materials and pre-sketched canvases will be provided.
  • Time: 10am-2pm
  • Cost: $10.00, sponsored by Griffin’s Studio

• Books of the Black Patch, Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, 1101 Bethel Street
  • Meet authors that explore this dynamic era in our history.
  • Titles include Bruce Wilson’s novel Death in the Black Patch and a family/regional history Nick and Viola by Laura Muntz Derr
  • Purchase a book and get it signed by the author.
  • Time: 1pm
  • Cost: FREE, sponsored by Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library
•  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. Chili, hot dogs, chips, desserts, and drinks will be available for purchase.
  • Times: 5:30 – 7:30pm
  • Cost: FREE, sponsored by First Presbyterian Church
• Night Rider Tobacco Raid Re-enactment, Pennyroyal Area Museum, 217 E. 9th Street

  • SOLD OUT!

  • This hayride re-enacts the night of December 7, 1907 when an army of Night Riders attacked and burned tobacco warehouses in downtown Hopkinsville.
  • Time: 7pm – only one ride this year!
  • Cost: $12 for adults; $10 for Museum Members; $8 for children ages 8 and under

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!