Tag Archive for 'Ohio River'

Morgan’s Crossing of the Ohio

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on July 15, 2008
in Destinations and Events
. 1 Comment

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

Breakfast ride to a piece of history

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on May 18, 2008
in Destinations and Ride-Eat-Ride
. 2 Comments

Our Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride was just a usual ride. Nothing special about it, nor our destination. At least that’s what I first thought.

Gathering at the UDF.

When asked where we were headed, Jerry said, we haven’t been to New Richmond for a while, let’s ride down there and eat on the River. It seemed a little cool for eating outside, but okay, let’s go.

With eight riders, Jerry lead us out of the UDF onto the back roads, and winding down through Loveland and roads south. I am constantly amazed at the quality of roads to ride in southwestern Ohio. Jerry, seems to know them all.

As we wind down Ohio SR 132 and enter New Richmond, a road sign catches my attention, “Underground Railroad historic sites” straight ahead. Ohio and the Ohio River played a great role in providing freedom to escaping slaves from the south. It’s known as the Freedom Trail.

We cross US 52 and ride three blocks towards the river and turn left. It seems I’m following the signs to the historic sites. Then we pull into The Landing, our destination for breakfast, and in front of the building, a sign reads “Underground Railroad Historic Site!”

The Landing Restaurant

It may be the Landing now. But, in the early to mid 1800s, it was the home of the Rev. George C. Light, a Methodist minister and agent of the American Colonization Society founded in 1816. The purpose of the society was to help free slaves return to Africa. The country of Liberia was founded as a result of the society’s efforts. Society members included James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln.

About three doors down is the Dr. John Rogers Home Site. He was the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society in 1836. In all, there are 33 historic underground railroad sites in Clermont County.

New Richmond breakfast ride on the Ohio River.

Although it was on the cool side, the sun was very warming and breakfast on the terrace was terrific. Two tug boats with barges passed by as we feasted on breakfast and hot coffee. Afterwards, we rode farther east on US 52 along the river before turning north and heading home.

As I rode, I thought about my friend Sharon Hicks Bartlett and her upcoming trip to Ohio to ride throughout the many historic sites of the Freedom Trail. Sharon is going to need more than one week’s vacation.–DBrent