Portland in Meigs County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Ohio Invasion

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 9, 2017

1. First Ohio Invasion Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Brigadier General Albert G. Jenkins of Virginia, with 350 Confederate cavalrymen, crossed the Ohio River near this point on September 3, 1862 and advanced to Racine. After occupying the town for a few hours and after seizing a dozen horses, the troop re-crossed the river at Wolf's Bar. This was the first invasion of Ohio's soil by Confederate troops during the Civil War.

Erected 1965 by the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 1-53.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 3, 1862.

Location. 39° 0.131′ N, 81° 46.446′ W. Marker is in Portland, Ohio, in Meigs County. Marker can be reached from Ohio River Scenic Highway (Ohio Route 124) south of New Portland Road, on the right when traveling south. Located within the Buffington Island Battlefield Memorial State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 55890 OH-124, Portland OH 45770, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. The Battle of Buffington Island (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Buffington Island (here, next to this marker); Buffington Island (a few steps from this marker); Surprise Encounter (a few steps from this marker); Modern Day Buffington Island (a few steps from this marker); Confusion and Panic (a few steps from this marker); Attack from the West (a few steps from this marker); Path of Destruction and Damage (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.

More about this marker. This marker is one of the few one-sided markers.

Regarding First Ohio Invasion. In September 1862, Jenkins's cavalry raided what is now West Virginia. They briefly entered extreme southern Ohio near Buffington Island, becoming one of the first organized Confederate units to enter a Northern state. On the evening of September 4 forded the Ohio and set up the flag of the Confederate government on Ohio soil. On a march of some distance in Ohio, Jenkins took pride in treating the citizens with consideration. He captured Racine and there recrossed the river.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 9, 2017

2. First Ohio Invasion Marker

Buffington Island Battlefield entrance. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 9, 2017

3. Buffington Island Battlefield entrance.

General Albert Gallatin Jenkins image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

4. General Albert Gallatin Jenkins

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 350 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on December 28, 2019, by Darryl R Smith of Cincinnati, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 11, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.