This impressive memorial to Confederate General John Hunt Morgan astride his horse stands proudly in front of the old Fayette County Courthouse, now the Lexington History Museum, Lexington, Kentucky. The front inscription on the granite pedestal of the memorial reads simply "Genl. John H. Morgan and His Men." On the side of the pedestal are the words, "Erected by the Kentucky Division United Daughters of the Confederacy." A Commonwealth of Kentucky historical marker beside the monument reads:
JOHN HUNT MORGAN (1825-1864)
Known as the Thunderbolt of the Confederacy, Morgan was born in Huntsville, Alabama; in 1831 moved to Lexington. After attending Transylvania, he fought in the Mexican War. In Lexington, he prospered as owner of hemp factory and woolen mill. Morgan organized Lexington Rifles Infantry, 1857; later led them to aid Confederacy. Reverse, John Hunt Morgan 1825-1864 Leading cavalry raids behind the enemy lines, General J. H. Morgan disrupted Union supplies and communications. For southerners, he was the ideal romantic hero. Captured in Indiana-Ohio raid, he escaped and was killed in Greeneville, Tennessee, September 4, 1864. Buried in Lexington Cemetery. Morgan became a courageous symbol of the Lost Cause.
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| John Hunt Morgan Historical Marker - Side 1 |
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| John Hunt Morgan Historical Marker - Side 2 |
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| John Hunt Morgan Memorial, Lexington, Kentucky |
Photos by J. Stephen Conn
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