Was Kentucky part of the north or the south in the civil war?

It was fiercely contested between the two sides, and Lincoln allowed it to stay neutral for a while, to prevent it falling into the hands of the South.

When Braxton Bragg invaded the state in 1862, he carried wagonloads of Confederate uniforms and weapons for the recruits he expected, but very few volunteered. He was able to install a Confederate government, but it collapsed as soon as he retreated.

In the end, Kentucky remained loyal - a Union state.