Archive for the 'Events' Category

JHMT: Battle of Buffington Island; Morgan escapes

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.

Ceremonies at the Battle of Buffington Island historical site.

Union and Confederate reenactors fired a salute.

Ceremonies at the Battle of Buffington Island historical site.

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.

Ceremonies at the Battle of Buffington Island historical site.
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.

Ceremonies at the Battle of Buffington Island historical site.
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.

Ceremonies at the Battle of Buffington Island historical site. 
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.

Ceremonies at the Battle of Buffington Island historical site.
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.

Ceremonies at the Battle of Buffington Island historical site.

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

JHMT: Escaping through Ohio

I’m back on the trail of General John Hunt Morgan, in order to attend dedication ceremonies at Portland Ohio, and the site of the Battle of Buffington Island. July 19th, 1863, the Union Army finally caught up with the main body of Morgan’s Confederate troops and surrounded them. Nearly half were capture. Morgan Escaped.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. That’s a tale for tomorrow, on the anniversary.

I started out at Camp Dennison near Miamiville, OH. Camp Dennison was a Union Hospital and encampment. Morgan attacked it, but was repelled by 600 convalescing soldiers.

General Morgan's route through Ohio

He was also turned back on a bridge across the Little Miami River defended by other Union troops at Miamiville. Mogan finally crossed the river, made his way to Branch Hill and moved southeasterly on the Branch Hill-Guinea Pike. He did not stop for a rest until he reached Williamsburg. Morgan and his 1900 men, on horseback with a few wagons and four pieces of artillery, covered 95 miles in 35 hours.

In Williamsburg, Morgan is being hotly pursued. He follows the Appalachian Highway. Today’s route is a modern Ohio SR 32.

General Morgan's route through Ohio

On the other side of Jackson, the route follows SR 124 through scenic back roads towards Pomeroy.

General Morgan's route through Ohio

Pomeroy citizens and Home Guard effectively repelled Morgan northward. Morgan moved his troops to Chester, and was delayed because his guide disappeared No one could be found who could lead Morgan through the hills to Portland and a crossing at Buffington Island. This delay caused Morgan to arrive in Portland after dark. He decided to wait until morning to try to cross. This set of circumstances set the stage for the Battle of Buffington Island when the Union Troops finally caught up.

Below is the memorial on the Ohio Historical Society site, Battle of Buffington Island.

 General Morgan's route through Ohio

Tomorrow, escape from Buffington Island.

Today’s ride, with all the side trips, was a total of 278 miles.

DBrent

Morgan’s Crossing of the Ohio

BRANDENBURG, KY–This could be Day 3 of the John Hunt Morgan Trail, but in reality, it is a little back tracking of my route. At the Civil War reenactment at Georgetown, I learned about the planned event at Brandenburg where General Morgan appropriated two river boats to transport his troops across the Ohio River. And, that means … photo op!

Reenactors portray a Civil War battle on the streets of Brandenburg, Kentucky. The reenactment commemorates the 1863 raid of General John Hunt Morgan and his crossing of the Ohio River into Indiana.

With the weather looking okay, but maybe a few spotty showers forecast for later in the day, I loaded up the V-Strom and headed down the highway for Brandbenburg–170 miles.

By the time I reached my destination, the temps were rising. It was going to be a hot one, and muggy. My sympathies were with all the reenactors who dress as authentically as possible, and that means a lot of wool. Why wool? In the mid 1800s, wool was the most durable fabric. The women wore cotton.

Reenactors portray a Civil War battle on the streets of Brandenburg, Kentucky. The reenactment commemorates the 1863 raid of General John Hunt Morgan and his crossing of the Ohio River into Indiana.

About noon, the “battle” got underway. Morgan’s Men came charging down main street, with Union Troops and Home Guard Militia trying to defend the town. Historically, there was no battle in Brandenburg on July 7, 1863. Morgan confiscated both river boats without firing a shot. There was an exchange of artillery the following day as Morgan’s cannons fired on a Union gunboat that came down the river on the 8th.

Reenactors portray a Civil War battle on the streets of Brandenburg, Kentucky. The reenactment commemorates the 1863 raid of General John Hunt Morgan and his crossing of the Ohio River into Indiana.

Below is an interview with the organizers of the event and a photo slideshow of the Civil War reenactment.

Reenactors portray a Civil War battle on the streets of Brandenburg, Kentucky. The reenactment commemorates the 1863 raid of General John Hunt Morgan and his crossing of the Ohio River into Indiana.
Organizers Beth Robinson, Andy Woolfolk and Morgan Woolfolk.

Click here for Morgan’s Crossing photo slide show.

IMG_1653
On the trail again of General John Hunt Morgan.

DBrent

Civil War reenactment: serious business and entertainment

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be at a Civil War battlefield in the 1860s, the closest you can get to that piece of history is to attend one of the many reenactments throughout the country.

The many men, women and children that “relive” the period take their roles very seriously. Authenticity is the name of the game–everything from clothing and equipment to camping and food. It’s no longer divisions of Blue or Gray, but a community of actors who are eager to be history teachers to anyone who asks.

The “Morgan’s Raid at Georgetown” reenactment brought actors from surrounding states and hundreds of curious visitors to witness the events. The actors even brought their own “correspondents,” actors who portrayed journalists recording and documenting the battles.

Below are a number of photos from the day’s events. Make sure you listen to the four interviews with reenactors, including President Abraham Lincoln and General John Hunt Morgan.

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.
Not all reenactors are dressed in soldier’s uniforms.

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.
Morgan’s Men ride into town to repel Union troops.

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.
Confederate infantry and calvary repeatedly charge the Union line.

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.
Correspondents document the battle with drawings for the newspapers.

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.
Refusing to surrender the Union troops were dealt a death blow.

Several reenactors agreed to interviews, and one special subject appeared on the scene and graciously granted an interview.

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.
Captain Jeff Stein, USA

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.

Pvt. Greg Mudeman, USA

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.

General John Hunt Morgan, CSA

Reenactors portray a Civil War raid and battle at Georgetown, Kentucky.

President Abraham Lincoln

For your additional viewing, a slide show of the Raid at Georgetown.

Part II of the Raid at Georgetown includes the battle on the outskirts of town in the fields surrounding the Cardome Center, Georgetown, KY.

Stay tuned.–DBrent

NPPA Convention focuses on new media

The 2008 National Press Photographer Association national convention, “Convergence 2008,” focused on what else? New Media. Newspapers are broadcasting online. TV stations are producing print online. Radio stations are producing audio slideshows. It seems all of the world’s media is converging on new media.

Journalists can no longer distinguish themselves as print, or broadcast, or radio. We all carry digital recorders, reporter’s notebooks, a camera, and sometimes a video camera. Speakers presented ideas and bodies of work. Students of the Multimedia Immersion course learned how to produce multimedia stories.

You can read more about the convention at NPPA.org.

Journalists are trying to learn how to report the news in a new medium while earning a living. Meanwhile, newspapers are reducing staff while looking for journalists who are skilled in online reporting. It’s a new world out there.

DBrent

(D. Brent Miller is a member of the National Press Photographer Association and attended the 2008 convention.)