Cynthiana in Harrison County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
1st Battle of Cynthiana / 2nd Battle of Cynthiana
Photographed By Matt Carter, September 11, 2010
1. 1st Battle of Cynthiana Marker
(Reverse):
With gratitude to Joe Moss, KJHS, Eastside Elem.
Erected 2009 by Kentucky Historical Society. (Marker Number 2312.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1984.
Location. 38° 23.19′ N, 84° 17.98′ W. Marker is in Cynthiana, Kentucky, in Harrison County. Marker is on Paris Pike (
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Renowned Piscator (a few steps from this marker); Destroyers-USS Cassin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Harrison County World War I Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Civil War in Cynthiana, Kentucky (approx. ¼ mile away); North / South (approx. ¼ mile away); Harrison County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Harrison County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Log Court House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cynthiana.
Photographed By Matt Carter, September 11, 2010
2. 2nd Battle of Cynthiana Marker
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, August 3, 2018
3. Civil War in Cynthiana, Kentucky
Rebel Raider John Hunt Morgan's two famous Kentucky raids in 1862 and 1864 included significant engagements with Union forces at Cynthiana. Morgan's mission was to destroy railroad facilities, disrupt communications, acquire supplies, recruit, and threaten Cincinnati.
First Battle of Cynthiana - July 17, 1862
Col. Morgan's cavalry of 875 men, with two cannons, defeated 345 men under Lt. Col. John Landram, including Home Guards and one 12-pounder cannon at the courthouse. Simultaneous CSA attacks at the covered bridge, N. Main/Episcopal Church area and from New Lair Rd. on Magee Hill (Webster Ave./Hwy. 982 intersection), forced Landram’s men to withdraw from those locations toward the depot where most were captured. CSA: 8 killed, 29 wounded; USA: 17 killed, 35 wounded, 250 (est.) captured.
Second Battle of Cynthia – June 11-12, 1864
This battle was three stages: (I) June 11th at dawn, Morgan, with 1,200 men, captured Col. Conrad Garis’ 300 Union soldiers of the 168th Ohio after attacks at the covered bridge and Magee Hill. (II) Later that morning at Keller's bridge, Morgan captured Gen. Edward Hobson with 600 men of the 171st Ohio after they arrived by train too late to reinforce Garis; and (III) at dawn June 12, Gen. Stephen Burbridge’s 2,400 men , pursuing Morgan from Mt. Sterling, attacked him and Col. D.H. Smith, who was about one-half mile south at Magee Hill. Morgan escaped but was driven from the state. CSA: (est.) 70 killed, 100 wounded, 300 captured; USA: 48 killed, 171 wounded, 980 captured.
First Battle of Cynthiana - July 17, 1862
Col. Morgan's cavalry of 875 men, with two cannons, defeated 345 men under Lt. Col. John Landram, including Home Guards and one 12-pounder cannon at the courthouse. Simultaneous CSA attacks at the covered bridge, N. Main/Episcopal Church area and from New Lair Rd. on Magee Hill (Webster Ave./Hwy. 982 intersection), forced Landram’s men to withdraw from those locations toward the depot where most were captured. CSA: 8 killed, 29 wounded; USA: 17 killed, 35 wounded, 250 (est.) captured.
Second Battle of Cynthia – June 11-12, 1864
This battle was three stages: (I) June 11th at dawn, Morgan, with 1,200 men, captured Col. Conrad Garis’ 300 Union soldiers of the 168th Ohio after attacks at the covered bridge and Magee Hill. (II) Later that morning at Keller's bridge, Morgan captured Gen. Edward Hobson with 600 men of the 171st Ohio after they arrived by train too late to reinforce Garis; and (III) at dawn June 12, Gen. Stephen Burbridge’s 2,400 men , pursuing Morgan from Mt. Sterling, attacked him and Col. D.H. Smith, who was about one-half mile south at Magee Hill. Morgan escaped but was driven from the state. CSA: (est.) 70 killed, 100 wounded, 300 captured; USA: 48 killed, 171 wounded, 980 captured.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2010, by Matt Carter of Lexington, Kentucky. This page has been viewed 1,970 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2010, by Matt Carter of Lexington, Kentucky. 3. submitted on August 3, 2018, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
