(Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan.)
Bold Incursion into Yankee Territory
Like me, some of you out there may be U.S.Civil War history buffs. If so, those of you living in Ohio probably already know about Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry raid through the southern and southeastern portions of the "Buckeye State" in the summer of 1863. Sometimes called the "Great Raid," this bold and hard-riding Rebel incursion into Yankee-held territory included the states of Kentucky and Indiana as well.
Wolverine Boots
Dickies Work Clothes
If you're wondering what Morgan's Raid in Ohio (or the other states mentioned) has to do with treasure or treasure hunting, put on your thinking caps on for a bit. Aside from the potential for recovering artifacts, personal items, and scattered coins along Morgan's route, the potential for recovering small or medium-sized caches of coins, jewelry, and valuables is strong.
Valuable Leads?
Why? At various times and locations, elements of Morgan's raiding force were cut off from the main column and in some instances, they were surrounded, killed, or captured by pursuing Union forces. In fact, after the end of the Civil War, Colonel Basil Duke (one of Morgan's subordinates) stated flatly that most of the "goodies" taken during the "Great Raid" were hidden at numerous locations along the raiders' route.
Morgan's advance through Ohio is both well known and well documented. This documentation may provide valuable leads for Ohio treasure hunters looking to cash in on their research.
The following provides a basic timeline and description of Morgan's movements through Ohio:
July 13, 14, 1863: Morgan and his men successfully tricked pursuing Union cavalry elements into believing the Confederates were heading for Hamilton, Ohio. Instead, the Rebels rode through the outskirts of Cincinnati during the night. After a brief rest near the old Camp Dennison site, Morgan and his men headed for Williamsburg via Batavia, Ohio.
("Morgan's Raiders:" painting by M. Kuntsler.)
July 14, 1863: After reaching Williamsburg, Morgan split his forces and sent a detachment led by his brother Richard to hit the communities of Georgetown, Ripley, and West Union. Morgan himself led the main column into Mount Orab, Sardinia, and Winchester, Ohio.
Metal Detectors
July 15, 1863: Colonel Richard Morgan's detached troop rejoins Morgan's main force at Locust Grove.
There's more to come on Morgan's raid in Ohio, so stay tuned. In the mean time, good hunting to one and all.
If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Bandit Gold in Idaho"
(c) Jim Rocha (J.R.) 2012
Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com


















