Historical Marker

Civil War and Spanish-American War Soldiers Monument

Historical marker location:
City Park, Atlantic, Iowa
( Memorial is on Chestnut Street north of White Pole Road (U.S. 6), on the left when traveling north.)

  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.

In the mid-1800s, Iowa was a major hub for the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North.
Iowa random facts
Cass County, Iowa, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and fascinating history. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the early 1850s, attracted by the fertile land and the promise of a new frontier.

The county was officially established in 1851 and named after Lewis Cass, a prominent politician and Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. As settlers moved in, towns and communities started to develop, with Atlantic becoming the county seat. The county grew rapidly during the late 19th century, fueled by agriculture and the construction of railroads. The communities of Anita, Griswold, and Lewis also emerged during this period.

Cass County played a significant role in the agricultural revolution of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Farmers in the area adopted new technologies and methods, such as crop rotation and mechanization, which boosted productivity and transformed the region into a major center for pork and grain production. The county's rich soil and favorable climate also supported the growth of orchards and vineyards, leading to the establishment of fruit packing plants and wineries.

In the modern era, Cass County continues to be an important agricultural hub, with farming being the backbone of the local economy. The county is also home to diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Throughout its history, Cass County has remained a tight-knit community, known for its strong work ethic, resilient spirit, and commitment to preserving its rich heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cass County, Iowa.

  • 1851: Cass County, Iowa, is established as a county.
  • 1853: The first courthouse in Cass County is built in Lewis.
  • 1865-1868: The county suffers from a series of grasshopper plagues, causing significant damage to crops.
  • 1875-1876: A new courthouse is constructed in Atlantic, replacing the old building in Lewis.
  • 1896: The Atlantic and Omaha Railroad is completed, providing improved transportation to and from Cass County.
  • 1924: The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad builds a branch line through Griswold and Anita, further enhancing connectivity.
  • 1933-1942: The Great Depression and Dust Bowl greatly impact Cass County, leading to economic challenges and agricultural struggles.
  • 1969: The Pottawattamie County Community College opens a center in Cass County, offering local residents access to higher education.
  • 1987: The Cass County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2011: The Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company celebrates its 100th anniversary in Cass County.