Sojourn Chronicles

Once again, 145 years to the day, I’m on the trail of General John Hunt Morgan, CSA. My first date was on July 2nd, when Morgan crossed the Cumberland River at Burkesville, KY, and proceeded north towards the Ohio River at the beginning of his Great Raid.

At Buffington Island, near Portland, OH, Morgan hoped to cross the Ohio River into West Virginia and sympathetic communities. But, exhaustion and time was catching up. Instead of crossing the river in the dark on July 18th, Morgan waited until the early morning hours of the 19th. By that time, Union troops had moved in to surround him, and a Union gunboat was on the river.

The battle started early. By 11 a.m., it was over. More than half of Morgan’s troops, approximately 900, were captured including his brother in law and two of his brothers. An estimated 200 were killed. Gen. Morgan managed to escape with about 700 men moving along the river to the north where they tried to cross the river again at Deedsville. More about that in a minute.

Today, July 19, 2008, about 60 came together to commemorate the Battle of Buffington Island, and memorialize the Union and Confederate troops that fought.

Several speakers gave their speeches. Some spoke longer than they should have. That’s how these memorial services go. Then a procession of wreath laying took place from all the groups that had an interest.

Union and Confederate reenactors fired a salute.

I had the opportunity to talk with three individuals who have a significant impact on the John Morgan Hunt Trail.

Professor of History, James Ramage, Eastern Kentucky University, was the keynote speaker in the afternoon. Author of three biographies, he spoke about his book, The Rebel Raider, and General John Hunt Morgan.

Professor James Ramage, Eastern Kentucky University

George Kane, Ohio Historical Society Director of Facilities Management, spoke about the significance of the Buffington Island site, and the role of the Historical Society in preserving other Ohio sites.

George Kane, Ohio Historical Society

Last, but not least, Edd Sharp from the non-profit organization Ohio Civil War Commission, talks about producing a designated trail for the John Hunt Morgan route.

 
Edd Sharp, Ohio Civil War Commission

When all the ceremonies were complete, I packed my gear, and rode north towards Deedsville where Morgan tried to cross the river again. In 1863, the normal water level would have been about 18 to 24 inches deep across the Ohio. However, it was much higher than that because of heavy rains. But today, the series of locks and dams have raised the level of the river to allow commercial boat traffic.

Tug and barges exiting the lock and dam at Deedsville, OH.

At Deedsville, Morgan’s men started to cross the river. About half made it across before the Union gunboat came upon them. It was reported that Morgan, about half way across the river, turned back because all of his men were not going to make it. He stayed with his men in enemy territory.

Morgan, and about 380 men proceeded west through creek beds and corn fields to escape. His route closely followed Ohio SR 681. I stayed on the highway.

I think it may be safe to say, in my interpretation, that Morgan’s “Raid” was over after Buffington Island. After that, his mission was escape. He stayed on back roads and avoided most towns. He had a few encounters before his capture. I rode SR 681 to New Albany, US 50 to MacArthur, SR 93 to SR 56 to SR 278 to Nelsonville where I concluded the day’s ride. I then returned to Athens for the evening.

As for those back roads, I can add additional interpretation: This is good motorcycling. Thank you, General Morgan.

DBrent