lloyd tilghman house and civil war museum

This museum was a collection of Civil War memorabilia and could only be understood with a guide. The documentation was poor. However the staff had a passion for this little museum and were very willing to explain and answer questions

This restored old home is full of Civil War items, stories, and pictures. This is a gem and "must see" if you enjoy history. Even though Lloyd Tilghman was a Confederate general, the museum tells the story of both the North and South in the Civil War. The manager gave us an excellent tour -- he is most knowledgeable of his history for this region.

CSA Gen'l Lloyd Tilghman (& his family) but also about the WBtS in Paducah and western KY. Our docent was very knowledgeable and helpful as well as being incredibly friendly. Granted the place has a bit of a slant as it is run by the SCV but bear that in mind as you visit and enjoy the displays, mementos, art, dioramas, &c that cover much of this historic home.

Great place to take the kids to learn a bit of history by seeing...Loved how the folks were dressed in period attire and knew a lot about the history of the area and all.

What a treasure and a treat. The host Bill Baxter gave such a wonderful tour of the building, the items, the people, the events..... Certainly more than a museum just about the only civil war general from Paducah, KY. The research library is expanding at a rapid rate. Of course while you are there you must meet Mr. B, the house dog. We spent well over an hour and left only when others came in for the tour. Of course we will go back again as it is far to much to consume in only one visit. Paducah has many delightful museums and this is right along them as one of the best.

This museum is in a two story home that has been furnished in period and has a surprising amount of excellent historical memorabilia. In addition, the "host" is extremely knowledgeable and interesting - great visit.

Many great artifacts, but historically inaccurate comments from the tour guide. One that stuck out was the claim that the North was the first to violate Ky neutrality. No. Polk used the fact that some in Ky decided to join the federal army as an excuse to invade. Grant moved in after Leonidas. Also found some comments about slavery to be incorrect, as well as assertions about the north using cheap labor as an alternative to slavery. Slavery became a huge trade in the south after the invention of the cotton gin, which made it economically viable. Another quibble-the mention of KY and MO having stars on the confederate flag. they remained neutral throughout the war, regardless of any flag design.

We were in Paducah to celebrate their annual BBQ on the River and were lucky enough to meet Bill Baxter, Administrator of the Museum. He invited us to attend an evening of "Living History" and we so thoroughly enjoyed it. We were "eavesdropping" on conversations between some of history's most notable Civil War participants. Because the "Living History" exhibit forced the closure of the remainder of the museum we are forced (happily) to make a return trip to explore the amazing artifacts and learn more of our country's history. Bill, we can't thank you enough for the introduction and invitation..

The guide should give lessons to all other Civil War historic site guides. To begin with he stayed almost 2 hours past closing time after he found out that we were from out of town. And he gave the most informative and engaging tour I've ever been on. Do you remember the best teachers in school that made sure you not only understood the "what" but the "why" also? We walked away with a much better understanding of the importance of the Paducah and Kentucky area during the Civil War and the accomplishments of Tilghman. If you have any interest at all in the history of the Civil War or the area in general you must make time to visit. Its run on donations and I assure you, you will want to throw some extra in the donation box after the incredible tour.

The volunteer who welcomed us, a retired air force man, was just terrific! He gave us a great tour, let us hold the rare civil war artifacts, backed up his points with references. Outstanding!

First and foremost, the guy running the museum was great! He was very friendly and give us a tour of the house. They have some rare civil war artifacts. This was our favorite stop, since we are civil war buffs. Also Baxter the dog was great and greeted us at the door. Can't get better than that!

Like the one in Charleston, SC, this was a small but well-stocked museum of the War Between the States. Unlike the one in Charleston, however, which had only a fee taker, the Lloyd Tilghman Museum furnished a highly knowledable guide with a couple of (I think) unpaid friends who made it very interesting. They were all intrigued to learn that just two years earlier I had visited the site of the General's death at Champion Hill . Excerpts from my joutrnal of that trip read as follows: "I parked at the Crossroads which was the objective of both armies, then - because the area was posted against trespassing - hiked only as far as I dared along the sunken Old Jackson Road leading up a sharp incline to the peak"."General Lloyd Tilghman was killed by cannon fire from near the Coker House which unfortunately is located on a private part of the battlefield, so I could not visit it.""Then it was on to Baker’s Creek and General Tilghman’s Monument. Because there were no signs indicating the location of this memorial in the high grass, I had to look diligently on both sides of the road to find it." Because all three gentlemen here were intrigued by my account, they spent a little extra time showing me exhitits which proved most interesting, helping to make the visit to this museum most worthwhile.

I can not say a lot about this place except that I did not get to see it. I was there on a Saturday in October 2012 during the posted time but no one came to the door. I knocked and rang the door bell but no luck. I would suggest calling before making a visit.

The museum is interesting and still in the process of adding more. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. There was a $5 fee per person.

The Lloyd Tilghman Home and Civil War museum is an excellent example of how informative even small museums can be. This turned out to be one of the nicest surprises in Paducah. Tilghman was a railroad construction engineer, who moved with his wife and eight children into this 1852-built home, so he could help the city of Paducah get a railroad line. When the Civil War broke out, he joined the Confederate army, and soon became a brigadier general. Tilghman is best remember for a gallant, but hopeless defense of Fort Henry, in Tennessee, on Feb. 6, 1862. He was killed at the Battle of Champion Hill, part of the Vicksburg, MS campaign, on May 16, 1863. To get the most out of your museum stop, please ask for the free guided tour. You'll learn much more about Tilghman, and how he came to Paducah because of this railroad work. Also, you'll learn his family had Revolutionary War ties direct to Gen. George Washington's staff.Western Kentucky isn't well known for major Civil War battles, but the loss of the region proved fatal for the Confederacy. Western Kentucky, and especially Paducah, was the key to Union invasion along the Mississippi, Tennessee and Cumberland River valleys. All of this is pointed out on the tour. The tour also highlights the Battle of Paducah, in 1864, and recalls in paintings, and a model, the Federal fortifications there. The museum contains numerous guns, uniforms, swords, photos and paintings, maps, and a complete collection of Confederate flags. Most people are aware of the X-shaped Confederate battle flag, but many have no idea this was one of several used. The tour points out the last Confederate national flag, adopted by the Confederate congress only days before final surrender. Most people of the day had no idea of its existence.When you first see this house from the outside, don't be taken aback. It's not in the best of shape, but the tour guide said that work has been concentrated on the interior with a plan to also redo the exterior, as money permits.Finding the museum is easy. It's on the direct route from the Paducah riverfront region, along Kentucky Ave., six blocks south of the beautiful downtown flood wall murals, and the old marketplace shopping area. The museum is open Wednesdays thru Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m., April thru November. It can also be opened by appointment, and may be open earlier, or on off-days, during dockings of passenger riverboats. The price is $3 adults, and $1 ages 6-12. There is no official website for this museum. You have to use the Paducah visitors website, then click on "Visitors Information," then "History," and then "Museums" to check the latest hours. The website also gives you riverboat landing information.When I went, I knew virtually nothing about Tilghman, and little about Civil War action in Western Kentucky. This museum did its job in giving a good presentation about both.