PERRYVILLE, Ky. (ACNI) – A town of 763 residents, Perryville is known for its Civil War history. Residents once skirmished with Confederate guerrilla commander William Quantrill and his raiders in the town’s business district known as Merchants Row. Another raid was made early Saturday morning when burglars broke into Merchants Row Café and Antiques and stole approximately $15,000 worth of antiques and coins.

Owner James Pope said someone used a crowbar to force open a side door and removed approximately 50 cases containing Civil War belt buckles and buttons, Confederate money, arrowheads, gold coins and jewelry. Several Kentucky long rifles and Civil War firearms were also stolen.

“Anything you could sell quickly,” said Pope. “I feel sorry for the people the people who have to resort to this.

“Saturday was supposed to be our Valentine’s Day with special sales, but they just about wiped us out,” said Pope.

He has operated the combination café and antique store 10 years ago in a historic 1840s storefront, which was once Lattimer’s General Store and the town’s post office.

Pope said he still has antique furniture items for sale and the café and antique shop remain open for business.

The Boyle County Sheriff Department is investigating the burglary and is following several leads. Because of the large amount of merchandise removed from the store, authorities believe more than one person was involved. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information about the theft should contact Sheriff Jim Wilcher at 859-238-1123.

Perryville was the site of the largest Civil War battle in Kentucky, fought Oct. 8, 1862. Re-enactors come to Perryville annually to re-create the battle.

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