1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana

On July 8, 1863, Hoosier militia companies and civilian volunteers rallied to defend Indiana from 2,400 invading Confederate soldiers under the command of Gen. John Hunt Morgan. After Hoosier forces were defeated by Rebel Raiders at the Battle of Corydon on July 9, an estimated 60,000 volunteers responded to Gov. Morton’s call to muster in Indianapolis. Morgan’s advance north was blocked near Vernon two days later as some of those volunteers arrived in southern Indiana from the state capital by railroad. By felling trees across roads and through armed resistance, Indiana volunteers and pursuing Union cavalry chased the Confederates into Ohio. Morgan and his troops were eventually defeated and captured by Union troops in eastern Ohio.

To mark the 150th commemoration of the beginning of the Civil War, Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, will feature 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana. This $4.3 million exhibit will open to the public on June 4, 2011 and tell the story of Gen. John Hunt Morgan’s cavalry raid through Indiana during July 1863.

The exhibit will use projected images and video along with theatrical sound and staging, handson experiences, and live action to bring the drama of Civil War Indiana to life. 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana utilizes a unique blend of interpretive technologies and techniques to immerse guests in a pivotal moment in Indiana history, as Hoosiers respond to Morgan’s Raid through southern Indiana. Guests will take on the role of civilian volunteers from Indianapolis sent south to defend the state from the Rebel raiders. This exhibit integrates technology with Conner Prairie’s legendary first-person interpretation in an outdoor setting to create a new kind of guest experience focused on personal stories during the Civil War in Indiana.

The exhibit will be open from June 4-October 31, 2011. It will reopen in following years (April – October) for the life of the exhibit. The self-led journey about Morgan’s Raid on Indiana takes approximately 45-60 minutes. There are also several other self-directed experiences in the exhibit too, and the total time depends on the guests desired pace. There is no additional fee to experience the 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana; the cost is part of Conner Prairie’s daily general admission and is free to members.

Conner Prairie’s 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana portrays the personal stories of people that lived in Indiana during the Civil War. They will be featured through projected images and video along with theatrical sound and staging to bring the drama of Civil War Indiana to life.

Image: Civil War reenactors portray a terrified woman and children of Indiana as Morgan’s Confederate troops raid their villages & farms in July 1863.

In July 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan led 2,400 battle-hardened troops on a raid into Indiana. How will Hoosiers respond to this threat? Conner Prairie guests will find themselves facing down Morgan and his Raiders as part of the new 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana exhibit. Pictured above is John Hunt Morgan alongside the actor who portrays him.

The letters written by 16-year-old Attia Porter of Corydon, Indiana provide insight to the lives of young southern Indiana residents at the time of General Morgan’s Confederate cavalry raid into the Hoosier state in July 1863. Guests will encounter Attia’s true life story as they make their way through the new 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana exhibit. Pictured above is Attia Porter alongside the actress who portrays her.

Albert Chatam fled from slavery for a free life in Indiana during the Civil War. The authentic story of Albert’s quest for freedom, and his desire to fight for that freedom, plays a significant role in Conner Prairie’s new 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana exhibit. Pictured above is Albert Chatam alongside the actor who portrays him.