Locust Grove in Louisville, Kentucky has hosted many historic events and re-enactments. But one of the most unusual occurred on Sunday, July 9th 2006.

Two sisters had been delving into their ancestry when they discovered an unusual fact. Their ancester Dolly Ann Russell had been married at Locust Grove on May 12, 1864.

Most slaves were not permitted to marry (in the traditional sense). Often they married in their own ceremonies within the slave quarters of the plantation and big homes. The slave owners were after breeding for more slaves not for lifelong committments among their slaves.

That is what made this such an unusual event. To bring this story to light - a re-enactment took place. It was called “A Slave Wedding - An Outdoor Celebration.”