Historical Marker

Civil War Union Blockade

Historical marker location:
400 Wall Street, Key West, Florida
( Marker can be reached from Wall Street.)

  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.

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Florida random facts
Monroe County, Florida, located in the southernmost part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area that is now Monroe County was initially inhabited by the indigenous Calusa tribe, known for their seafaring skills and trading network. European explorers, such as Ponce de Leon and Juan Ponce de León, arrived in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 19th century that Monroe County began to take shape.

In the early 1800s, Monroe County became part of the newly formed Florida Territory. Key West, the county seat, quickly developed into a vibrant port city due to its strategic location. It became known for its sailors, shipwreck salvagers, and trading activity. During this time, wrecking became a major industry as many ships ran aground on the treacherous reefs surrounding the Keys.

The county's history is also intertwined with the era of American expansionism. In the 1820s, the US government established Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West to control piracy along the coast. It played a role in the Mexican-American War and served as a base during the Civil War.

The early 20th century brought significant changes to Monroe County with the completion of the Overseas Railway, connecting Key West to mainland Florida. This railway transformed the Keys into a popular tourist destination. However, a devastating hurricane in 1935 destroyed much of the railway and led to the construction of the Overseas Highway. This highway replaced the railway and became a lifeline for the county, allowing for increased development and tourism.

Today, Monroe County remains a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. It continues to be a major center for fishing, boating, and diving. The county's history, shaped by its indigenous roots, maritime activities, and unique geographical location, continues to be celebrated and preserved.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Monroe County, Florida.

  • 1823 - Monroe County is established as one of the original counties in Florida.
  • 1830 - The first permanent settlement, known as Indian Key, is established.
  • 1836 - The Second Seminole War begins, leading to the abandonment of Indian Key.
  • 1870 - Key West becomes the county seat and experiences economic growth as a major port.
  • 1912 - The Overseas Railway connects Key West to mainland Florida, boosting tourism and trade.
  • 1935 - The Labor Day Hurricane devastates the Florida Keys, causing massive destruction and loss of life.
  • 1942-1945 - The Florida Keys become an active military zone during World War II.
  • 1982 - The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is established to protect the region's coral reefs.
  • 1998 - Hurricane Georges causes significant damage to Monroe County and the Florida Keys.
  • 2017 - Hurricane Irma makes landfall in the Florida Keys, causing widespread destruction and devastation.