About us
Friends of the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail
A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and sharing the story of Morgan's Raid through southern Indiana. Our Story - The John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail was begun with the goal to educate. The development of the Trail started in the late 1980s and into the 1990s. It involved the states of Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. A major supporter of the original work was Historic Hoosier Hills - Resource Conservation and Development for Southeastern Indiana. Historic Hoosier Hills is a unique federal partnership, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation registered in Indiana as a 501(c)3 organization. One of the many areas of involvement is Tourism Resource and Development Council and within this realm, the John Hunt Morgan Trail Project was established so many years ago. The original cost of the trail was $150,000 which paid for the original signage, metal supports, literature, brochures, cassettes (recall it was the 1980s), and CDs. The result was a driving trail - The John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail - which had 24 numbered signs and 3 extras for a total of 27. The current issues are that there were no plans created to sustain or continue the original work. Over the almost 30 years, the Trail has fallen into a state of disrepair. Two signs (number 2 and 6) are missing. The pictures posted were from 10-15 years ago and the passage of time has not improved their message. The following counties have or should have these signs; Harrison - #1-5 with one extra, total = 6, Washington - #6-10 for a total = 5, Scott - #11-13 plus an extra, total = 4, Jennings - #14 & 15, total = 2, Jefferson - #16 &17, total = 2, Ripley - #18-20, total = 3, and Dearborn county #21-24 plus an extra, total = 5 signs. We have had some success in our search for the names of those who were involved with the initial creation of the Trail - for their work they deserve mention as original Friends. The John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail Founding Group Richard Skidmore - Chair Lora Cahill Dave Taylor Larry Ligget Eric Losey Clara and Dick Lewis Ken Knouf Elbert Hinds County Representatives; Maxine and Mike Klump - Dearborn County David Craig - Harrison County Elbert Hinds - Jefferson County Mike Ochs - Jennings County Dan Goris - Ripley County Joe Gibson - Scott County Ron Ewing - Washington County
Our Mission
The Friends of the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to preserving the 27 roadside markers that trace General John Hunt Morgan's famous 1863 raid through Indiana — the northernmost Confederate incursion of the Civil War.
Many of these markers are damaged, weathered, or missing entirely. Our work is to restore and replace them, maintain them for future visitors, and develop educational materials that bring this remarkable chapter of history to life.
We are volunteers and history enthusiasts who believe this trail deserves to be walked, studied, and remembered.
"In July 1863, General John Hunt Morgan led 2,400 Confederate cavalry on the boldest raid of the Civil War — cutting 700 miles through Indiana and Ohio in 46 days."
Morgan's Great Raid · 1863
What We Do
Restore & Replace Markers
We identify damaged and missing trail markers, raise funds for restoration, and work to reinstall them at their original locations across southern Indiana.
Document the Trail
We photograph and catalog every marker, building a permanent record of the trail's condition and history for researchers, educators, and the public.
Develop Educational Materials
Educational resources about Morgan's Raid and the trail are in development — we plan to make them freely available to schools, libraries, and visitors.
Grow Awareness
We partner with local historical societies, tourism boards, and communities along the trail to ensure this piece of Indiana's Civil War heritage is known and valued.
Get in Touch
Questions, ideas, or just want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you.
[email protected]Want to volunteer or get more involved?
See Ways to Get InvolvedSupport the trail
Every dollar restores history.
Your donation helps restore and replace damaged signs, maintain them for future visitors, and fund the educational materials we're developing for this trail.
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