Castle: The Story of a Kentucky Prison

by Bill Cunningham

Castle, The Story of a Kentucky Prison chronicles the history of the Kentucky State Penitentiary at Eddyville, beginning with its construction over 100 years ago. It tells of murders, escapes, riots and executions which have occurred in the medieval-like fortress, sitting high above the Cumberland River in Lyon County. The centerpiece of the book is the daring Tex Walters shoot-out of 1923 when inmate Walters and two confederates shot and killed three prison guards, wounded a fourth, and barricaded themselves in the dining hall for four days. The National Guard was called in and the siege garnered nationwide attention as the suspenseful stand-off unfolded. Lillian Walters, wife of the rebel convict, was then tried in a dramatic court room battle for her gun-smuggling role in the uprising.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1994

About the author

After serving the court system in several capacities, Bill Cunningham was elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2006. He and his wife, Paula, have five sons.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't generally read nonfiction as I read for entertainment. I read this book because this prison is just a few miles from our home in Western Kentucky and I admire the author Bill Cunningham. I cannot imagine the research and time it took to gather all the information and history included in this book. Very interesting and informative and told in a way that kept you interested.

[Jared Michael Revlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really fun read of niche Kentucky history. I had always known about the state penitentiary in Eddyville, but never knew anything about the history of it. Cunningham did a great job of highlighting a few of the major events of the prison’s history with great detail and even had a surprising follow-up at the end (be sure to read the first part of the acknowledgments). Overall, an interesting read, but did have several misspellings and typos throughout which were a little distracting, but not a dealbreaker.

[Glenn McKissic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic chronology of the KY State Penitentiary at Eddyville, KY. The author wrote, eloquently, and included a lot of history of the local community as local people formulate the timeline of events surrounding the prison. Also, the author emphasizes the 1923 riot led by Monte “Tex” Walters and the subsequent trials of his widow, Lillian. I found that part of the book to be most compelling.

[Cynthia Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the stories of the prison. The ending became a bit confusing only because it seemed rushed. Hard to keep everybody straight.

[Teresa Brewen-White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good true story outlined with other random facts

[Ed Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice Bill Cunningham provides valuable insight into the Kentucky State Penitentiary, aka, “The Castle on the Cumberland” in this stellar work.
(Side note—Justice Cunningham is the best public speaker I have heard)
The book provides the readers with facts, stats, pics, and stories of guards, inmates, and wardens, along with the facility itself.
Particular attention is paid to prison riots and reforms.
Really enjoyed this one. I think you will also.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting reading.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a history account of my hometown. I enjoyed it throughly...Maybe you would, too.