Support provided by:
The Case:
A man in Paris, Kentucky, owns a beautifully preserved, Western-style saddle, believed to have been used by the Confederate general, John Hunt Morgan, on his famous raid into Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio in July 1863.
June 1863: The Confederacy is quickly losing ground and they desperately need to turn the tide. In Kentucky, a group of Confederate cavaliers begin launching raids deep into Union territory, taking the war to the civilian population. They wreak havoc on the Union’s infrastructure and strike fear throughout the Border States. The mastermind of this bold new plan is John Hunt Morgan, the South’s most infamous guerrilla General and the scourge of Union forces in Kentucky.
Could this be the saddle that carried John Hunt Morgan into the pages of history?
History Detective Wes Cowan is on the case and reveals a surprising personal connection: Wes' great-grandfather was actually one of "Morgan's Raiders" and was captured alongside Morgan during the historic raid.
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Season 2
Shippen Golf Club
Was this the golf club used by John Shippen when he made sporting history in the 1896 U.S. Open?
-
Related Investigation
Yakima Canutt's Saddle
What leading role did this saddle play in the birth of the Hollywood cowboy?
-
Related Investigation
Texas POW Camp
Was this small town in Texas the home of a WWII POW camp?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Mouse Toy
Could this tiny toy labeled 'Micky' be the original Mickey Mouse?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Civil War Deringers
Are these pistols union or rebel?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Jim Thorpe Ticket
Is this ticket evidence of a chapter of Thorpe's career forgotten by history: as a professional basketball player?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Civil War object? Submit your story now.
- Latest Commentthat's unique, if anyone has anything similar to this, then you should do what i do, share your artwork on Art Radio it is one the best up and coming social media platforms for musicians and artists. (2 days ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookHow much do you think it will be worth in 50 years? (2 days ago)
Feature:
Technique: