Buffington Island facts for kids

Buffington Island is an island located in the Ohio River. It is part of Jackson County, West Virginia, near the town of Ravenswood in the United States. The island is situated east of Racine, Ohio. This island is famous for a major event during the American Civil War. On July 19, 1863, the Battle of Buffington Island took place just south of Portland, Ohio, near the island.

A Park to Remember

The Ohio History Connection takes care of a four-acre park right next to Buffington Island. This park has a special monument that tells the story of the battle. There are also signs that explain what happened during the Battle of Buffington Island. It helps visitors learn about this important moment in history.

Early Days on the Ohio River

Before the Civil War battle, Buffington Island was known for its river life. An old account by Fortescue Cumming shares a story about meeting a young man named Buffington. This young man was the son of the island's owner. He was traveling by boat to a local gathering.

A Trip to the Falls

Buffington was on his way to a special meeting held by a local judge. These gatherings happened once a month. People would come together for various reasons, including settling small disagreements. It was also a chance for people to socialize and enjoy some friendly competitions. Buffington was a strong young man, and he brought his rifle, ready for any fun activities.

A Funny Story

Buffington also shared a funny story about a time when people in his area got scared. About two years before, a rumor spread that many Native Americans were planning an attack. Some families got very worried and built a small fort for safety. They hired Buffington to check things out. He spent a few days exploring the woods. When he returned home late one evening, he fired his rifles and gave a loud yell. This scared the people in the fort so much that they ran into the river and crossed to the other side! They even reported that some people had been hurt, but it turned out to be a false alarm. Everyone was quite embarrassed when the truth came out.

Buffington's Business

Buffington was also a businessman. He traded cattle and hogs, which he would drive to the Potomack area. There, they were sold to supply cities like Baltimore. He also hunted. A few years before, when bear skins were valuable, he and another man hunted many bears in a short time.