How it all started....The original 91st OVI

The 91st Ohio Volunteer Infantry was formed by men from the southernmost counties in the state of Ohio, along with recruits from Kentucky and, what was then Western Virginia. The regiment was organized in August, 1861, and was filled to capacity in one month. The term of service was three years. The 91st OVI officially mustered into Federal service at Camp Ironton, in the town of the same name.

Fearing an invasion by the Confederates, Colonel John Turley received orders from Ohio Governor Tod to proceed to Point Pleasant, VA (now West Virginia). From there, the regiment marched up the Kanawha River, passing through the village of Gauley Bridge. On the way, they fought their first engagement at Buffalo, VA (WV). In the spring of 1863, there was increased action for the 91st. The battle of Fayetteville resulted in forcing the Confederates under General John McCausland to leave that part of the state. Elements of the 91st also participated in the pursuit of General John Hunt Morgan's Rebel Raiders, capturing 34 of them near Buffington's Island on the Ohio River.

The campaign of 1864 opened with a hard march through western Virginia to the New River Bridge. On May 9, 1864, Union General George Crook's Army of West Virginia met the Confederate army of General Albert Jenkins at Cloyd's Farm outside of Dublin, VA. There the 91st "saw the elephant," as many veterans were called to action. After the fight, the Confederates retreated over the New River Bridge with Crook's "Buzzards" in hot pursuit. Later, the Army of West Virginia's Kanawha Division was ordered to attack the Rebel forces near Lexington, VA.

After several skirmishes, the Federals forced the Confederates out of the area, but were stopped at Lynchburg. It was there that the 91st earned the title "Bloody Buckeye Boys in Blue." They were placed in the Union center and received the greatest concentration of fire. Colonel Turley was wounded as the regiment charged the Confederates, capturing two pieces of artillery.

After rest and reorganization due to increased casualties from battle and disease, the 91st took the field again under General Phillip Sheridan as part of the 9th Corp. They were detailed to chase Confederate General Jubal Early's Rebels from the Shenandoah Valley and burn all of the supplies in the area. The 91st met the enemy near Winchester, VA, in September 1864. Charging the center, the 91st captured four field pieces. Later in the Battle of Cedar Creek, the 91st repulsed a Confederate cavalry charge while guarding the army's cattle. After Early's defeat, the Valley was cleared of the majority of Confederates, and the 91st earned a well-deserved rest at Cumberland, MD. While there, they received news of General Robert E. Lee's surrender. The 91st OVI was mustered out in June 1865, and the veterans returned home to their shops and farms.

How it all started....The current 91st OVI

The 91st Ohio Volunteer Infantry reenactment unit was formed in July 1989 by living historians interested in keeping the memory of the Ohio Civil War Soldier alive.

Our members portray a company of a regiment formed in 1862 by recruits living in the six southernmost counties in the state, including recruits from Kentucky and West Virginia. Today, to maintain a high standard of authenticity, members dress, act, and portray individuals from the mid-nineteenth century era, including both miltary and civilian impressions.

The 91st OVI participates in reenactments of Civil War battles (often held on original fields) and sponsors living history events locally and out of the immediate area. Our membership in the Kanawha Batallion allows our unit to "fall in" with other groups, presenting enough members to form a period regiment. We also brigade with the United States Volunteers, an Eastern organization with more than 200 members.

Our members may also portray civilians and participate at all events to which the unit is invited, or of which the unit sponsors. The Civilian organization, The Iron Hills Soldier's Aid Society, often sponsors many civilian activities in our immediate area. This is done to educate the public about life over 100 years ago. Authentic camps are often set up, including tents, campfires, military drill, civilian scenarios, cooking demonstrations, firing of period weapons, and medical scenarios that provide a more detailed picture of soldier and civilian life.

The 91st OVI encourages families to participate, as there are many impressions for everyone from soldier to Aid Society member. All that is required is a little research on the period, and you can literally step back in time!

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