Deep in the rolling hills of Kentucky lies a farm with a story spanning eight generations, tied to the legacy of Peter E. Hart, a Civil War veteran and beloved figure in Perryville’s history. Hart’s story, a tapestry of service, family, and community, is now being preserved through a push to rename a local street in his honor and the launch of a bourbon brand that bears his name.

Peter E. Hart and His Perryville Connection

Peter E. Hart served with the 13th Union Cavalry, famously known as “The Dreaded 13,” during the Civil War. His connection to Perryville is rooted in the pivotal Battle of Perryville, where he fought. Captivated by Kentucky’s beauty, Hart settled in Perryville in 1892, purchasing Sugarbush Farm with his son and daughter-in-law. The farm remains in the Hart family today, a testament to their enduring legacy.

Hart’s great-great-great-granddaughter, Lizzie Haynes, who now helps manage Sugarbush Farm, shared the family’s deep appreciation for their roots. “Our farm has become a family museum,” she said. “We’ve preserved items like Peter’s sword, gloves, and even his pocket watch, all displayed proudly in a glass case.”

A Street to Honor His Name

The effort to rename a street in Perryville after Hart began as a tribute to the family’s matriarch, Joanne Wilkerson, who once named a creek on the farm “Sergeant Hart’s Creek.” Her granddaughter hopes to continue this tradition by memorializing Earhart’s contributions to Perryville through a street name.

While no specific street has been chosen, the initiative is gaining traction. “Having a road in Perryville named for him would honor his legacy and remind people of the role he played in our history,” Haynes explained.

A Bourbon That Tells a Story

In addition to the street-naming effort, the Haynes family has launched a bourbon and rye whiskey brand named after Peter. Developed by Hart’s descendant, Lizzie Haynes, and her husband Aaron Haynes, a certified distiller, the brand celebrates family tradition.

“Our bourbon isn’t just a drink; it’s a way to share Peter’s story,” she said. The logo, inspired by Hart’s sword, symbolizes his valor and the family’s connection to history. The spirits are now available at Liquor Barn and Total Wine locations across Kentucky.

Preserving a Legacy

The dual projects—a street named in Hart’s honor and a bourbon that shares his story—are seen as complementary efforts to keep his legacy alive. “Whether you’re walking down a street named for him or enjoying a glass of our bourbon, you’re connecting to Peter’s history and the values he stood for,” said his descendant.

The family hopes these efforts will inspire others to learn about Hart and dig into their own histories. They also encourage community members to support the initiatives by attending bourbon tastings, spreading the word, and rallying behind the street-renaming proposal.

Where to Learn More

To find Peter E. Hart Bourbon and Rye, visit Liquor Barn and Total Wine locations in Danville and Lexington. For more information on the family’s history and upcoming events, visit PeterEHart.com or follow them on Instagram at @PeterEHart_Spirits.

Through these efforts, the Hart family is ensuring that Peter’s name and legacy endure for generations to come. “He valued family, kindness, and community,” his descendant reflected. “That’s what we want to share with the world.”