Old Washington in Guernsey County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Morgan’s Raid in Old Washington
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 15, 2007
1. Morgan’s Raid on Old Washington Marker
On July 23, 1863, General John Hunt Morgan entered Guernsey County with 600 Confederate cavalrymen, the remnant of a 2,000-man diversionary raiding force that had traversed Kentucky, Indiana, and southern Ohio. Morgan’s forces halted in Old Washington on the morning of July 24 for rest and provisions. Three pursuing Union cavalry units under Brigadier General James M. Shackelford (1st and 3rd Kentucky, 14th Illinois) assembled on Cemetery Hill to the south and began firing on the Confederates in town. The raiders returned fire. In the exchange three Confederates were killed and several wounded. Eight were captured. Outflanked, Morgan proceeded northeast to Columbiana County, where he surrendered two days later. The three Confederate casualties are interred in the cemetery behind this site.
Erected 2002 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, the village of Old Washington, and the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 4-30.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1965.
Location. 40° 2.217′ N, 81° 26.65′ W. Marker is in Old Washington
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Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Bodies of Three Confederate Cavalrymen (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Morgan’s Raiders (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Old Washington (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eisenhower Interstate System (approx. 2.7 miles away); Peacock Road (approx. 3.1 miles away); Lore City Honor Roll (approx. 3.7 miles away); Lore City (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Old Washington.
More about this marker. Marker is across the road from the cemetery. From this point on the hill Federal troops fired on the Confederates in town. A stone marker in the cemetery marks the graves of the Confederates.
Regarding Morgan’s Raid in Old Washington. Washington was a prominent town on the National Road, and then on U.S. 40. Bypassed by the interstate highway, it has faded, and no longer has shops or a post office.
Also see . . .
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 15, 2007
2. Morgan’s Raid on Old Washington Marker
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 15, 2007
3. Prominent Building in Old Washington
Photographed by Jamie Abel
4. Old Washington Entrance Sign
Signs at the entrance to Old Washington note the skirmish.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,343 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 20, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on September 16, 2010, by Jamie Abel of Westerville, Ohio.
