General Burnside Island
Research done by Harrison / Mrs. Hall's 5th grade
and Lauren / Mr. Turpin's 5th grade (1996-97)
Pulaski Elementary, Somerset, KY
General Burnside Island takes its name from General Ambrose Burnside, a Union General in the Civil War. His name has become part of our language because he popularized a style of beard. His habit of shaving his chin and allowing whiskers to grow on the sides of his face gave rise to the term burnsides which later became sideburns.
Burnside was born in Liberty, Indiana and graduated from the U. S. Military Academy. Along with his military career, he also manufactured a breech-loading rifle he invented, he engaged in railroad activities, and was governor of Rhode Island as well as a U.S. senator.
Located eight miles south of Somerset on US 27, General Burnside Island was surrounded by Cumberland River which became Lake Cumberland in 1950 when Wolf Creek Dam was built. The 430 acre island is Kentucky's only island state park. It includes a campground, a marina, a picnic area, a swimming pool, and a golf course. The park is the site of Christmas Island, a drive-thru lighted holiday attraction.
To learn more about Kentucky's only island state park try this site:
