Memorial event to mark 155th anniversary of the Battle of Buffington Island

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

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The public is invited to join the Ohio History Connection and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War as they remember the fallen soldiers from the Battle of Buffington Island. This annual event commemorates the site of the only significant Civil War battle fought in Ohio.

At the Battle of Buffington Island on July 19, 1863, a Union army chased and cornered a Confederate cavalry commanded by General John Hunt Morgan as they attempted to escape across the Ohio River.

This battle kicked off several days of fighting which resulted in the capture of General John Hunt Morgan and the end of the major attack he waged across Ohio known as “Morgan’s Raid.”

On Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m., the community will come together in a memorial service to honor the history and legacy of this battle. The service will be at the Buffington Island Battlefield Memorial Park located at 56890 State Route 124, Portland, OH 45770.

Immediately following the service, lunch will be available at the Portland Community Center. Music will be provided by award-winning singer-songwriter and educator Steve Free. William E. Donegan, member of the Federal Generals Officer Corps, will be the featured speaker portraying Union General William Starks Rosecrans.

For more information, contact Emmy Beach, Ohio History Connection Public Relations Manager at [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/2NQpYnA

Ohio History Connection

The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. For more information on programs and events, visit ohiohistory.org.