All this excitement on the John Hunt Morgan trail has me rethinking my efforts. Secondly, a look at the forecast for today and tomorrow evoked some concern.
The forecast for northeastern Ohio is low to mid 90s with humidity above 80%. Showers are expected. Some severe weather is possible. Tomorrow will be more rainy weather as the actual front moves into the area. I don’t mind riding in the rain during travels, but trying to produce something in the rain is another matter.
Consulting my wife, I decided to postpone the latter half until another day. I hope this is a good decision.
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.
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.
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.
On the other side of Jackson, the route follows SR 124 through scenic back roads towards Pomeroy.
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.
Tomorrow, escape from Buffington Island.
Today’s ride, with all the side trips, was a total of 278 miles.
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!
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.
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.
Below is an interview with the organizers of the event and a photo slideshow of the Civil War reenactment.
Organizers Beth Robinson, Andy Woolfolk and Morgan Woolfolk.
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