Retro Indy: Morgan's Raiders

[CMWinkler]

Retro Indy: Morgan's Raiders
David Mannweiler 12:01 p.m. EDT July 8, 2014

(Photo: Submitted photo)

2 CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORE
Originally published: April 13, 2003.

Indianapolis and southeastern Indiana squirmed in panic on July 8, 1863, as startling cries of "Morgan's coming!" sent shudders through everyone who heard the warning.

Much-feared Confederate Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan — "the Thunderbolt of the South" — and his 2,000 marauding cavalrymen had dashed through Kentucky in six days and commandeered two steamboats at Brandenburg, Ky., to cross the Ohio River and invade Indiana at a spot in Harrison County called Molvin's Landing.

Morgan and his troops would ride through seven counties in southern Indiana for six days, looting homes and towns, cutting telegraph lines, burning railroad bridges and creating fear and consternation. They became the Confederate force that penetrated the farthest north into Union territory during the Civil War.

For the rest: http://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2014/07/08/morgans-raiders-retro-indy/11766161/

 

[Patrick H]

I don't know much about Morgan, and I don't find much to read about this raid online. I'd like to clarify whether this was, indeed, the longest sustained cavalry raid of the war, as the article states. Shelby's raid of 1863 covered 1,500 miles by his own account and I've read at least one account that states it as 1,600 miles. Shelby didn't travel through as many states, nor reach as far north, but might have covered more ground. In saying that, I don't wish to diminish Morgan's accomplishment by any means. Just looking for a clarification. I'm sure some of you know a lot more about Morgan than the author of the newspaper article.

 

[unionblue]

My vacation cabin in Meiggs County, Ohio, is located on the direct route Morgan and his raiders took during their long ride through southern Ohio.

When I found that out, I just had to buy the property to build it on.

Sincerely,
Unionblue