Battles of Cynthiana. 1st Battle of Cynthiana- During CSA Col. John H. Morgan’s 1st KY Raid, on July 17, 1862, 875 CSA hit town via the Georgetown Pike. 350 US troops & Home Guard defended town from houses. Morgan attacked across Licking River and outflanked US troops, who gave up after 2 hours. Approx. 40 CSA, 90 US killed & wounded. Morgan was surprised because the US defense was unexpectedly strong. (Reverse) 2nd Battle of Cynthiana- In mid-1864, Morgan raided KY from VA. Discipline had broken down and some CSA robbed a Mt.Sterling bank before coming here on June 11. CSA defeated Union defenders and burned part of town to drive defenders out of houses. Morgan’s men were routed the next day north of town. Defeated, the CSA fled back to VA. For more information, see ExploreKYHistory: The Battles of Cynthiana