Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Bayliss park, Council Bluffs, Iowa
( Marker is on 1st Avenue, on the left when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1926

  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 Amana Colonies, located in east-central Iowa, were founded by a group of German immigrants in the mid-1800s. The Amanas are known for their unique communal way of life and their production of high-quality furniture, textiles, and food products.
Iowa random facts
Pottawattamie County, located in western Iowa, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Sauk, and Fox tribes. These indigenous peoples relied on the land for hunting, fishing, and agriculture, establishing a deep connection with the natural resources in the region. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, leading to significant changes in the area.

In the 1830s, the federal government implemented the Indian Removal Act, which resulted in the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. This had a major impact on Pottawattamie County, as the Potawatomi tribe was one of the many tribes displaced during this time. After their removal, European settlers began moving into the area, establishing towns and farms.

Pottawattamie County experienced rapid growth during the mid-19th century, thanks to its strategic location along the Missouri River and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. These transportation routes played a crucial role in the county's economic development, attracting businesses, industries, and immigrants looking for opportunities. The county became an important hub for trade and agriculture.

Over the years, Pottawattamie County has faced various challenges and undergone significant changes. The county played a role in the Civil War, with many residents serving in the Union Army. It also weathered economic downturns, including the Great Depression, but managed to rebound and diversify its economy. Today, Pottawattamie County is a thriving area with a mixture of urban and rural landscapes, known for its agricultural heritage, educational institutions, and vibrant communities.

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

  • 1836 - Pottawattamie County was established by an act of the Iowa Territorial Legislature.
  • 1837 - The county seat was selected and named as Council Bluffs.
  • 1838 - The first post office was established in Council Bluffs.
  • 1846 - The Mormons arrived in Pottawattamie County on their way to establish Winter Quarters.
  • 1851 - Council Bluffs became an important supply point during the California Gold Rush.
  • 1867 - The Union Pacific Railroad reached Council Bluffs, connecting it to the Transcontinental Railroad.
  • 1872 - Pottawattamie County's first courthouse was constructed.
  • 1887 - The city of Avoca was incorporated.
  • 1891 - The Pottawattamie County Courthouse in Council Bluffs was destroyed by a fire.
  • 1900 - The Carnegie Library in Council Bluffs was built.
  • 1918 - Lake Manawa State Park was established.
  • 1944 - The Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs was closed.
  • 1986 - Construction of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge was completed, connecting Council Bluffs with Omaha, Nebraska.