Historical Marker

Rockwell City, Iowa Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
471 4th St, Rockwell City, Iowa
( Memorial is at the intersection of 4th Street and Main Street, on the left when traveling north on 4th Street.)
Marker installed: 1917

  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.

The famous outlaw Jesse James once robbed a bank in Corydon, Iowa in 1871. It was the first bank robbery in the state's history.
Iowa random facts
Calhoun County, located in the heartland of Iowa, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes. These tribes thrived in the fertile land along the Des Moines River, using it for hunting, fishing, and trading.

The county was officially established in 1853 and named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent American statesman. Settlers flooded into the area, drawn by the promise of fertile soil and opportunities for farming. The first European settlement in the county was Rockwell City, which soon became an important center for trade and agriculture.

During the late 19th century, Calhoun County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of railroads in the area opened up new avenues for transportation and commerce, facilitating the export of agricultural products and attracting new businesses to the region. The county's economy thrived, with farming, mining, and manufacturing becoming major industries.

In the 20th century, Calhoun County faced challenges due to the Great Depression and the decline of coal mining in the area. However, the county's resilient spirit helped it endure these hardships, and various economic diversification efforts were made to stimulate growth. Today, Calhoun County's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with farming and livestock production being the main sources of income for its residents. The county is also known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Lizard Creek and the stunning parks and recreational areas that attract visitors from far and wide.

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

  • 1851 - Calhoun County established
  • 1853 - County seat named Rockwell City
  • 1878 - First railroad reaches Rockwell City
  • 1906 - Lake City becomes a railroad hub
  • 1920s - Oil discovered near Knierim
  • 1930s - Great Depression hits the county hard
  • 1950s - Farming and agriculture dominate the economy
  • 1980s - Decline in agriculture leads to population loss
  • 2006 - Calhoun County Conservation Board established
  • 2011 - Rock Island Railroad Depot in Lake City restored