Indiana, Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home, contributed more than 200,000 men to the Union cause. More than 10 percent never returned home.
For a few days in July 1863, Confederate raider John Hunt Morgan threw a scare into the state during his daring raid into the Northern states.
Lincoln City
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Route 162 south of Lincoln City, east of US 231
812-937-4541, www.nps.gov/libo
The Lincoln family, including young Abe, moved to Indiana in 1816 before moving again to Illinois in 1830. Many of the habits and attitudes attributed to the great political leader were formed here during his late childhood. A living history recreation of a pioneer homestead similar to the one Lincoln would have known is featured in the park. His mother, Nancy Hanks, is buried here. Museum and a film at the park’s Memorial Visitor Center.
Open daily March–November 8 am–5 pm. Closes at 4:30 pm other times. (All CDT or CST). $3/adult (17 and older).
John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail (Indiana)
Despite orders to the contrary, famed Confederate cavalry commander John Hunt Morgan crossed the Ohio River into Indiana July 8, 1863. Morgan hoped to divert attention from Union operations against Chattanooga, Tenn. This driving tour follows the Confederates and their pursuers through seven southern Indiana counties. Interpretive displays at 24 stops (including the Corydon battlefield, see below) help describe the 185-mile Trail.
See also Kentucky and Ohio for information about other sites on Morgan’s 1,000-mile 1863 raid.
Fishers
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers IN 46038
800-966-1836, www.connerprairie.org
The park now features the 150th anniversary with “1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana,” a multi-million-dollar interactive exhibit. The show puts visitors in the middle of Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan’s 1863 raid into the Northern States. The exhibit uses video, living history performers and other high-tech innovations. Exhibit open Tuesday–Sunday May–October. Hours vary; check website.
Corydon
Corydon Battlefield Park
Park located on Old State Road 135 South about 0.5 miles from the town square
812-738-8236, www.harrisoncoparks.com/BOC.html
www.corydonbattlepark.com/battle.html
A five-acre county park commemorates the site of a July 9, 1863, battle that saw about 400 members of the local home guard try to oppose Confederate John Hunt Morgan’s 2,400-man force. It was no contest. After a brief fight, most of the Indiana defenders were captured and Morgan moved on. Corydon was the only organized resistance opposing Morgan in Indiana.
Park with interpretive markers, monuments, buildings and rail fence open 8 am–dusk. Another interpretive marker showing battle-related sites in town is located in the town square on North Capitol Avenue.