Historical Marker

America’s Secret War. The Salvadoran Civil War

Historical marker location:
3602 N US Highway 301, Tampa, Florida
( Memorial can be reached from U.S. 301, 0.2 miles south of East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, on the right when traveling south.)

(1979 - 1992). Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

Florida has been the site of many space launches and is home to the Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launched the Apollo missions to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s.
Florida random facts
Hillsborough County, located in Florida, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Tocobaga and the Calusa. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto was the first European to visit the area in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 18th century that European settlements began to emerge.

In 1824, Hillsborough County was officially created by the Florida Territorial Legislature. The county was named after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough, who served as the British Secretary of State for the Colonies. The county's early economy was primarily based on agriculture, particularly cotton and citrus.

During the Civil War, Hillsborough County played a significant role as a Confederate stronghold. Tampa, the county seat, became a crucial port for the Confederacy, and the area was heavily fortified. After the war, the county faced challenges in rebuilding its economy, but with the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century, Hillsborough County began to experience rapid growth and development.

In the 20th century, Hillsborough County continued to flourish. The city of Tampa became a major hub for trade and tourism, attracting visitors from all over the country. The area also became an important military center, with MacDill Air Force Base being established and playing a key role in both World Wars. Today, Hillsborough County is known for its diverse population, vibrant cultural scene, and thriving industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hillsborough County, Florida.

  • 1834 - Hillsborough County is established as one of the original 19 counties in Florida.
  • 1842 - Fort Brooke, a military outpost, is established where the city of Tampa now stands.
  • 1846 - Tampa is incorporated as a town.
  • 1855 - The Tampa Bay area experiences its first major industry boom with the establishment of a cigar factory.
  • 1861-1865 - Hillsborough County suffers during the American Civil War, with Tampa Bay serving as a port for blockade runners.
  • 1883 - The first railroad reaches Tampa, opening up the area for increased trade and development.
  • 1887 - Ybor City is founded as a company town for Vicente Martinez Ybor's cigar manufacturing business.
  • 1891 - Henry B. Plant's luxury hotel, the Tampa Bay Hotel (now the University of Tampa), opens and attracts wealthy visitors to the area.
  • 1914 - Tampa's port is improved and expanded, becoming a major hub for shipping and trade.
  • 1954 - Construction of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is completed, connecting Hillsborough County to Pinellas County.
  • 1971 - The University of South Florida is founded in Tampa.
  • 1986 - The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) is established, providing public transportation services throughout the county.
  • 2001 - Construction of Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is completed.