Fort Lytle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Lytle
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1861 |
| Built by | Buckner, General Simon Bolivar; Harrison, Colonel Benjamin |
| MPS | Warren County MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000848 |
| Added to NRHP | December 5, 1984 |
Fort Lytle is an important historical site from the American Civil War. It is a fort located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This fort was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, which means it is a special place worth protecting.
What Was Fort Lytle?
Fort Lytle was a military fort built during the American Civil War (1861-1865). This war was fought between the northern states (the Union) and the southern states (the Confederacy). Forts like Fort Lytle were very important for defending cities and controlling key areas.
Building the Fort
The fort was first built in 1861 by soldiers from the Confederate army. These troops were led by a general named Simon Bolivar Buckner. They built the fort on top of a place called Vinegar Hill. Because of its location, the fort was first named Fort Vinegar.
Changing Names and Armies
Later, the fort was renamed Fort Lytle. It was named after William Haines Lytle, a brave soldier who died in 1863. He was leading a cavalry charge during the Battle of Chickamauga. A cavalry charge is when soldiers on horseback quickly attack an enemy.
After the Confederate army left, the Union army took control of the fort. Union soldiers, led by Colonel Benjamin Harrison, made the fort even stronger. The hill where the fort stands is now known as College Hill.
