• Home
• Plan Your Visit
• 1863 Civil War Journey

1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana

This incredible one-of-a-kind outdoor experience puts you right in the middle of an Indiana brush with the Civil War. 

Through theatrical wizardry, including video, sound, staging and Conner Prairie interpreters dressed in authentic period costumes, you are drawn into the true story of General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry raid on Indiana. Would you take on the role of a civilian volunteer sent from Indianapolis to help defend the state from Rebel raiders? What important roles did women and children play in this drama and how did they support the troops? How would you react to a call to arms? Find out as you become fully engaged through sight, sound and interaction in this pivotal moment in Indiana history.

Explore the raided village of Dupont at your own pace and learn the stories of real people who lived in Indiana during the Civil War. Discover what motivated them to take on a role in the war as you and your family gain a better understanding of the impact of historical events on everyday, ordinary people.

In addition to exploring the town and being a part of the Civil War conflict, families can have fun and learn alongside their younger children in the family play and learning area. Kids can climb aboard a replica steamboat, splash in an interactive water play area (through Labor Day Weekend) and get hands-on in the indoor play zone.

Please Note: This experience depicts the attitudes and actions of real people including Attia Porter, Mrs. Porter, Albert Cheatam, General Morgan and Governor Morton, as recorded in letters, telegrams, military reports and newspapers from July 1863. Supporting characters are based upon historical research. The views expressed in this experience are based on comprehensive research done by Conner Prairie and numerous Civil War scholars. These views are not those of Conner Prairie staff or board members themselves.

The Story of Morgan's Raid

In July 1863, just days after the victory at Gettysburg, Hoosier militia companies and civilian volunteers rallied to defend Indiana from 2,400 invading Confederate soldiers under the command of General John Hunt Morgan. After the defeat of Hoosier forces at the Battle of Corydon, an estimated 60,000 volunteers answered the call for service to block Morgan from advancing north. By felling trees across roads and armed resistance, these volunteers and Union cavalry chased the Confederates into Ohio, where Morgan and his troops were eventually defeated and captured.

The Making of 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana

Civil War reenactors from throughout the Midwest portrayed Morgan's Raiders, pursuing Union cavalry and southern Indiana civilians during the creation of the 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana. To the right is a look at images from the filmed scenes of this experience. Make your plans today to be one of the first to become part of Indiana's Civil War history! 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana is included in the general admission price and is free for members.
 

Staff Blogs:
John Elder, Guest Experience Manager, June: Defend Indiana!
Dan Freas, Vice President of Guest Experience, May: Talking About the Upcoming Civil War Journey
Stephanie West, Collections Tech, March: Bringing the Civil War Journey to Life
Tim Crumrin, Experience Delivery Director/Senior Historian, January: Searching for Albert
Paula Guernsey, Clothing Coordinator, January: Dressing Up, Civil War Style
Melissa Raveed, Manager of School Services, January: Celebrate History
Dave Allison, General Manager of Guest Experience, January: Time to Play in 1863
Ellen Rosenthal, President & CEO, December: Story Behind 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana

Reporter Wilson Mayweather reports from the front lines of the only Civil War battle to take place in Indiana.

Wilson Mayweather reports as Morgan storms Southern Indiana

Local Militia and Front Line Troops: Wilson Mayweather reports