Columbus-Belmont State Park, on the shores of the Mississippi River in Hickman County, near Columbus, Kentucky, is the site of a Confederate fortification built during the American Civil War. The site was considered by both North and South to be strategically significant in gaining and keeping control of the Mississippi River.HistoryConfederate General Leonidas Polk fortified the area now occupied by the park beginning September 3, 1861. The fort at Columbus was built upon a bluff along the "cutside" of the river. The fort was christened Fort DeRussey, but Polk referred it as the "Gibraltar of the West". He had equipped it with a massive chain that was stretched across the Mississippi to Belmont, Missouri, to block the passage of Union gunboats and supply vessels to and from Southern destinations in the western theaters of the war. Equipped also with 143 cannons, Columbus was the Northern-most Confederate base along the Mississippi, protecting Memphis, Vicksburg, and other key Southern holdings. As the northern terminus of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, Columbus was logistically tied to Confederate supply lines.
"Columbus-Belmont is part of the Kentucky Great River Road, where you'll find exciting events and happenings in the four KY counties bordering the Mississippi River. Relax amid beautiful settings on the river cliff campground with 38 sites, utility hookups and grills.A central service offers rest rooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Pets are allowed if restrained. Campground open year round, water available, but not to each site in winter.Two rental camping trailers and a log cabin are also available by calling the park direct. Each trailer has kitchen, bath, and sleeps six. The log cabin sleeps two and renter uses campground facilities."
