American Civil War: Notorious Raider Morgan is Killed

September 4, 1864 - Famous Confederate raider Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan (right) is killed at Greeneville, TN. Born in Kentucky, Morgan saw service during the Mexican-American War before electing to join the Confederate Army. Initially hesitant about going South, Morgan began the war as the colonel of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry (CSA). Attached to the Army of Tennessee, Morgan became known for leading daring raids into the Union rear. Promoted to brigadier general in December 1862, he led his greatest raid the following summer. Moving north with over 2,000 men, he crossed the Ohio River and moved east through Indiana and Ohio. Causing a panic among the Union populace, he was finally cornered and captured at Salineville, OH on July 26, 1863. Escaping a short time later, he rejoined the Army of Tennessee, but never again had the same level of success. He was killed on September 4, 1863, during a Union raid on Greeneville, TN.

Photograph Source: Public Domain