November 5, 2024

Reenactors firing a salute during a previous memorial service. Photo from Battle of Buffington Island Preservation Foundation.

Remembering Civil War Battle of Buffington Island

PORTLAND, Ohio – The annual memorial service is set for this weekend to remember the Battle of Buffington Island during the American Civil War.

The Buffington Island Memorial Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022. The event commemorates the only significant Civil War battle fought in Ohio. The upcoming ceremony will be conducted by the Cadot-Blessing Camp #126 and Benjamin Fearing Camp #2 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and will include performances by Grammy-nominated artist Steve Free.  

This is the 159th anniversary of the battle. Organizers are hoping for a large turnout as the property next to the park is being secured as the first piece of battlefield land to be acquired by the Buffington Island Battlefield Preservation Foundation. The Foundation will be present along with those from the 13th West Virginia, who will be encamped at the Portland Community Center.

At noon, the public is invited to lunch after the service at the nearby Portland Community Center. Menu items include pulled pork, pulled chicken, cole slaw, hot dogs, french fries, chips, candy bars, desserts, pop and bottled water.

The museum at the Portland Community Center will also be open.

​Contact Jim Oiler, Commander of the Cadot-Blessing Camp #126 ([email protected]) for additional information.