Morgan's Great Raid: The Remarkable Expedition from Kentucky to Ohio

by David L. Mowery

One of the nation's most colorful leaders, Confederate general John Hunt Morgan, took his cavalry through enemy-occupied territory in three states in one of the longest offensives of the Civil War. A military operation unlike any other on American soil, Morgan's Raid was characterized by incredible speed, superhuman endurance and innovative tactics.The effort produced the only battles fought north of the Ohio River and reached farther north than any other regular Confederate force. With twenty-five maps and more than forty illustrations, Morgan's Raid historian David L. Mowery takes a new look at this unprecedented event in American history, one historians rank among the world's greatest land-based raids since Elizabethan times.

Genres: Civil War, Civil War History, History

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2013

Reviews

[William Sariego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Altogether a wonderful little book. The narrative is readable and informative. The book is well stocked with photos or drawings, and the author has provided helpful maps of all the engagements fought. A Civil War buff can't go wrong.

[Paul Lunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

In July 1863, Confederate general John Hunt Morgan decided to on his own authority embark on one of the greatest raids in modern warfare history as he took his cavalry through Kentucky into Indiana & Ohio in an attempt to divert Union forces that direction & give the Confederates some much needed hope. In David Mowery's "Morgan's Great Raid: The Remarkable Expedition from Ohio to Kentucky", we the reader get a decent look at Morgan's Raid & the people behind it. Without going into great detail, the book starts with the background events of what lead up to the raid & guides us step-by-step from the crossing of the Cumberland River in Kentucky to begin through Morgan's eventual surrender near West Point, Ohio. What helps this book out is the maps of the various skirmishes along the way including detailed maps of the Battle of Buffington Island which would not only be the only Civil War battle fought in Ohio but also marked a turning point in Morgan's Raid as he was put on the defensive for the first time in this remarkable 24 day ride. As an Ohio native and long time resident of one of the towns mentioned in the book (Wintersville), I gained a lot more perspective into the raid & also a bit more about the history of my home area. It's through books like this one & the newly finished Morgan's Raid Trail here in Ohio that will hopefully encourage readers & history enthusiasts alike to take a look at this seemingly innocuous event w/in the Civil War & understand just how much he influenced many styles of war to come.

[EJ Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of the books published by The History Press for the War Between the States sesquicentennial, Mowery's book is imminently readable and imminently engaging. While one needs some background in the history of the WBTS to really enjoy this book, it is sufficiently detailed to be serviceable for all but the most intensive scholar but lively enough for even the casual historian. The story of John Hunt Morgan's famous raid really does come to life between the pages, and at times one feels as though one is reading an adventure novel. Morgan's Great Raid is everything that amateur history should be, and should be a delight for most any student of the Late Unpleasantness

[Brian Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan's Raid cut through the Cincinnati area where I live and folks have been recently doing a great job with markers and signs along this path. I decided to seek out more information on this Civil War event and found this new book. It is an enjoyable quick read. I think the audience could vary with this book. One could be a military historian who understands military tactics or like me, just be a general history buff of this time period or Ohio history. I feel like after reading this book I have a better understanding of the people, purposes and consequences of this raid through the Union.

[Steve Magnusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly researched historical detail which that also delves into the mindsets of the key players - both Raider and Pursuer. Frequent maps and charts within the text provide pertinent clarity when you need it. Well done!

[MTMAN2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After taking a tour of the Buffington Island Battlefield earlier this fall and led by the author, I had to read the book. Both the tour and the book are excellent ways to understand those involved on both sides in this historic raid. Understanding its significance in the history of war was also very interesting. Having driven different sections of the marked raid route and stopping to read the historical signs, this book makes me want to explore the segments I’ve missed thus far.