During the American Civil War from 1860 to 1865, a Confederate cavalry force led by Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan entered Kentucky, southern Indiana, and southeastern Ohio as a diversion to draw northern troops away from eastern Tennessee. The 2,500 cavalrymen passed through Gallia County, Ohio, and reached the village of Vinton on July 17, 1863. There they plundered the town in search of horses, food, and forage. Near this site, they crossed the covered bridge over Big Raccoon Creek and burned the 120-foot structure behind them. Area residents were left unharmed, and no lives were lost.