In July 1862, during his first raid into Kentucky, John Hunt Morgan fought two skirmishes in Marion County. The first took place at the covered bridge just south of New Market, where the Union Home Guard, anticipating Morgan's arrival, had removed the planking from the bridge and opened fire as Morgan's brigade approached. Morgan, riding in the lead, had his hat shot off, ordered his artillery brought up, and soon dispersed the Home Guard. The second skirmish occurred about a mile south of Lebanon, where seventy Home Guard and soldiers of the 28th Kentucky formed a skirmish line and fired at Morgan's advancing cavalry, but soon realized their situation was hopeless and surrendered, leaving Morgan free to advance into Lebanon. Morgan then rode to Myrtledene, the home of Benedict and Elizabeth Spalding, and established his headquarters there at what was then the northern edge of Lebanon. From the house he had an excellent view to the north and could watch for troops approaching along the roads from Louisville or Lexington. According to local tradition, Morgan rode his horse through the front door and up the stairs when he arrived, and Elizabeth Spalding told him to get his horse and himself outside because indoors was no place for a horse and a gentleman should know better. According to the story, Morgan complied. Hoof prints remained visible on the stairs until the house was renovated in the latter part of the 20th century. Morgan and his men camped on the grounds surrounding Myrtledene that night, and the next morning they rode north toward Springfield.