Vienna in Scott County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
"Lightning" Ellsworth Strikes Again
Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 14, 2016
1. "Lightning" Ellsworth Strikes Again Marker
In the late afternoon of July 10, 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's men reached Vienna and seized the Jeffersonville Railroad Station from the agent and telegraph operator. Morgan's telegraph specialist, Lieutenant George "Lightning" Ellsworth, took control and obtained news from stations along the line between Louisville and Indianapolis. Ellsworth learned that Union General Edward H. Hobson's cavalry troops were about 30 miles behind. The wire was cut and the railroad tracks torn up. The station and water tank, turntable, and a bridge over Pigeon Roost Creek, were destroyed. The Vienna stores and homes were ransacked by the Raiders before they headed toward Lexington, seven miles to the east.
Union General Hobson's men reached this point at 3:30 p.m., July 11th.
Erected by Historic Hoosier Hills RC&D.
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 date for this entry is July 10, 1863.
Location. 38° 38.943′ N, 85° 46.178′ W. Marker is in Vienna, Indiana, in Scott County. It is at the intersection of State Road 356 and Vienna High Street, on the left when traveling east on State Road
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Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Morgan's Great Raid (here, next to this marker); Scott County Home (approx. 1.7 miles away); This Burial Site (approx. 2.2 miles away); Massacre September 3, 1812 (approx. 2.2 miles away); Pigeon Roost (approx. 2.3 miles away); a different marker also named Pigeon Roost (approx. 2.3 miles away); Dr. Floyd Napper Hospital (approx. 2½ miles away); Bubbard House / New Commercial Hotel (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vienna.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Morgan's Raid, July 1863 (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . The Telegraph During the Civil War. Essential Civil War Curriculum (Submitted on February 12, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Tom Bosse
2. George "Lightning" Ellsworth
Confederate Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan's most valuable raider was probably a Canadian named George “Lightning" Ellsworth.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 14, 2016
3. "Lightning" Ellsworth Strikes Again Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,081 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 11, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
