Near Munfordville in Hart County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

The Raider

Morgan and his Raiders

— Woodsonville, 1861 —

The Raider Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 25, 2011

1. The Raider Marker

Inscription. The arrival of Federal troops into Lexington, Kentucky in fall 1861 prompted Lexington native John Hunt Morgan to assemble a band of 17 armed men on horseback to support the Southern cause. The "Lexington Rifle" then rode into south central Kentucky to join Brigadier General Simon Bolivar Buckner's command picking up 200 more recruits along the way. Morgan and his raw cavalry went into training camp here at Woodsonville, learning drill and tactics. He made headquarters on this site in the old Green River Baptist Church, and on the steps of the church was sworn into the Confederate army in October by Major William P. Johnston, son of General Albert Sidney Johnston.

In December, Morgan and a picked company of 100 men rode north to Bacon Creek (now Bonnieville) and burned the L&N Railroad trestle. This first act against the railroad brought him to the attention of the press, and in the raids that followed his name began to take on the status of legend.

Erected by Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers

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• War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail in Kentucky series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 37° 15.43′ N, 85° 53.28′ W. Marker is near Munfordville, Kentucky, in Hart County. Marker is on Charlie Downing Road north of Bragg Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Munfordville KY 42765, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kentucky and the Western War (here, next to this marker); Anthony Woodson Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); The Woodson Farm (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of Munfordville: Day 1 (about 400 feet away); Fort Craig (about 800 feet away); Battle of Munfordville: Siege (approx. 0.2 miles away); L&N Railroad Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battle of Munfordville (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Munfordville.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve. (Submitted on February 2, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama.)

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 25, 2011

2. The Raider Marker

on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,228 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.