Defense of Cincinnati

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The Defense of Cincinnati refers to the period during the American Civil War before September 13, 1862, when Cincinnati, Ohio, was spared from invasion from the Confederate forces.

Confederate Brig. Gen. Henry Heth had been sent north to capture Cincinnati, then the sixth largest city in the United States. Mayor George Hatch of Cincinnati declared martial law, and Union Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace organized the citizens for defense, and organized the Black Brigade of Cincinnati.

Along eight miles of hilltops from Ludlow to Fort Thomas, Kentucky, volunteers and soldiers constructed 23 batteries and four forts, which were defended by 22,000 Union Army soldiers and 50,000 local militia volunteers, called "Squirrel Hunters." On September 5, the governor announced to the public that no more volunteers would be needed for the defense of Cincinnati, but he advised that all military organizations be kept up for future needs.^[1]

General Heth and his men marched up the Lexington Road towards the Ohio River. He came upon the Federal defenses, and decided not to attack. He stayed one day, and then retreated on September 13, 1862. Wallace soon earned the nickname "Savior of Cincinnati" for his actions. The Squirrel Hunters returned to their homes.^[2]

Among units that served in the defense was the 104th Ohio Infantry, which was involved in the Skirmish at Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

Battery Hooper is one of 6 remaining artillery batteries and the only one open to the public. The site is now the home of the James A. Ramage Civil War Museum.