The Battle of Buffington Island, occurring July 19, 1863, represented “the largest Civil War battle in the State of Ohio.” Confederate General John H. Morgan led over 1,900 cavalrymen attempting to cross into West Virginia while pursued by Union forces and Navy gunboats. The 950-mile raid began July 2, 1863, and concluded July 26, 1863, when Morgan was captured near Pennsylvania.

The battle proved significant as two future U.S. Presidents—William McKinley and Rutherford B. Hayes—were present, and Union Major Daniel McCook sustained mortal wounds.

The event celebrates the Buffington Island Battlefield Preservation Foundation’s efforts and includes memorial services, historical marker dedication, historian presentations, period music by the 73rd OVI Regimental Band, and a community picnic.

RSVP by July 11, 2026 to cwrtmov@gmail.com.