Salem in Washington County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Burning the Salem Railroad Station

— John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail —

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 22, 2014

1. Burning the Salem Railroad Station Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On July 10, 1863, shortly before noon, General Morgan entered Salem with two brigades of cavalry. One was commanded by Colonel Basil Duke, his brother-in-law, and the other by Colonel Adam Johnson.

While in Salem, the troops looted, then burned the railroad station and three railroad cars. The station stood across SR 135 on the northside of the railroad tracks. One of the items taken was a strongbox thought to contain valuables. Duke and Johnson took the box to Morgan at his headquarters at the Persise House on the southeast corner of the square. When the strongbox was opened, it contained only masonry tools. Earlier the station agent had removed $400 from the strongbox and taken it to his home. Morgan's headquarters was less than 200 feet from that house.

Salem experienced more devastation than any Indiana community as a result of Morgan's Great Raid. (Marker Number 7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail in Indiana series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1812.

Location. 38°

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36.152′ N, 86° 6.032′ W. Marker is in Salem, Indiana, in Washington County. Marker is on S. Main Street (State Road 135) south of Small Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 S Main St, Salem IN 47167, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Morgan's Raid (approx. 0.2 miles away); Salem Suffers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington County Honor Rolls Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Birthplace of John Milton Hay (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington County Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Washington County Courthouse / Salem Downtown Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away); John Hay Center (approx. ¼ mile away); Brock Cemetery (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

More about this marker. The marker is the 7th interpretive sign on the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail.

Also see . . . John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail. From the Historic Hoosier Hills RC&D website. (Submitted on May 29, 2014.)

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 22, 2014

2. Burning the Salem Railroad Station Marker

Washington County Courthouse and Square in background

John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail<br>and Interpretive Signs in Indiana image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 22, 2014

3. John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail
and Interpretive Signs in Indiana

Close-up of map on marker

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 22, 2014

4. Burning the Salem Railroad Station Marker

Railroad station was located across the street north of the railroad tracks

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 865 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 29, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.