In Monroe County, a variety of travel interests meet tangible stories: early Baptist settlement history, memories of the Civil War, a distinctive marble tradition and activities in parks. When choosing a destination, you can first consider whether cultural history or outdoor activities will shape your stay. The places and topics offer a range of ways to explore them.
Early History and Civil War Remembrance
The Old Mulkey Meeting House was built in 1804 by a small group of Baptist pioneers. John and Philip Mulkey led the group from South Carolina. The park’s opening hours at the meeting house are also important for planning: From April 1 through the end of October, it is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In November, December and March, it is open Tuesday through Saturday; in January and February, visits are by appointment only. Check the opening hours before your trip, as operating information like this can change.
The Jackson Memorial Trail is a moderately strenuous, 0.7-mile hiking trail through the woods behind the Old Mulkey Meeting House. A hike therefore adds an outdoor activity to your exploration of the area’s history. At the Old Mulkey Knap-In & Artifact Show, visitors can watch demonstrations by practitioners of traditional skills, including making arrowheads, marbles, baskets and other objects. If you’d like to include this event in your plans, check whether it is scheduled during your stay.
The history of Tompkinsville National Cemetery dates back to the Civil War. In 1861, J. B. Evans donated land for the burial of Union soldiers. By the end of the war, the cemetery contained 115 soldiers’ graves belonging to troops who had died in the region. Later, after only five graves remained, the cemetery became public and was no longer a national cemetery. This history also makes the site an example of how the role of a burial ground can change over time.
Marble Games and Local Tradition
The Marble Dome is a wooden, barn-like building at the end of Armory Drive in Tompkinsville. It was built in 1988 so that marble games could continue after dark and in any weather. Members of the Monroe County Marble Club meet there regularly to play. Rolley-Hole is the most popular local marble game; its playing field has been a fixture in the building since the very first day. Anyone interested in local game traditions will find a distinct focus here alongside the historic sites.
Hiking Trail, Lake and Parks
The Upper Cumberland Hills are part of Monroe County’s natural landscape. The Jackson Memorial Trail offers a specific hiking route, while fishing is the main activity at City Lake in Tompkinsville City Park. Gasoline-powered motors are not allowed there. Tompkinsville City Park also has five primitive campsites next to the Dogwood Pavilion.
Other parks offer their own highlights. Disc golf is a popular attraction at Gamaliel City Park, which also has a playground and covered shelters. Fountain Run Community Park has a baseball field. Those weighing cultural interests against outdoor activities can take these different preferences into account without having to combine them into a fixed itinerary.
Practical Planning
A 2024 study lists the Turkey Neck Bend Ferry as free of charge. Check the fare before your trip. It is also worth checking opening hours and event dates before visiting the Old Mulkey Meeting House or making plans to attend an event. This will help you choose a destination based on the interests you want to pursue during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Gamaliel, Taylor County, Ohio County, Owen County, Pulaski, Nelson, Rowan, Boone County.
For the main travel overview: Kentucky.
