The Battle of Buffington Island, fought on July 19, 1863, was a pivotal moment during Morgan's Raid in the American Civil War. This engagement, which took place in Meigs County, Ohio, and Jackson County, West Virginia, marked the largest battle in Ohio during the war. The battle resulted in a Union victory and significantly contributed to the capture of Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. This article delves into the events leading up
to the battle, the battle itself, and its aftermath.
Prelude to the Battle
Morgan's Raid was a daring Confederate cavalry operation led by Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. The raid aimed to divert Union forces and create chaos in the northern states. Morgan's men crossed into Ohio, hoping to disrupt Union supply lines and draw attention away from Confederate forces elsewhere. As Morgan's forces moved through Ohio, they were pursued by Union troops determined to stop their advance.
The Union forces, under the command of Brigadier Generals Edward H. Hobson, Henry M. Judah, and others, were tasked with intercepting Morgan's cavalry. The Union commanders coordinated their efforts to trap Morgan's forces as they attempted to cross the Ohio River at Buffington Island. The stage was set for a significant confrontation that would determine the fate of Morgan's Raid.
The Battle Unfolds
On the morning of July 19, 1863, the Union forces engaged Morgan's troops in a foggy landscape near Portland, Ohio. The Union brigades, led by August Kautz and Henry M. Judah, attacked Morgan's positions, nearly encircling the Confederate forces. The arrival of additional Union troops under James M. Shackelford further tightened the noose around Morgan's men.
The battle was fierce, with Union gunboats, the U.S.S. Moose and the U.S.S. Allegheny Belle, providing artillery support from the river. Morgan's forces, outnumbered and exhausted, struggled to hold their ground. Despite their efforts, the Confederate troops were unable to break through the Union lines and reach the ford at Buffington Island.
Aftermath and Impact
The Union victory at Buffington Island was a significant blow to Morgan's Raid. The battle resulted in the capture of over 750 Confederate soldiers, including Morgan's brother and his second-in-command, Colonel Basil W. Duke. Morgan himself managed to escape with a small group of men but was eventually captured days later.
The battle's outcome effectively ended Morgan's Raid and demonstrated the Union's ability to coordinate and execute a successful military operation. The capture of Morgan and his men was a morale boost for the Union and a setback for the Confederacy. The Battle of Buffington Island remains a notable event in the history of the Civil War, highlighting the strategic importance of Ohio and the challenges faced by Confederate forces operating in Union territory.
