Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Central Park, Ottumwa, Iowa
( Memorial is at the intersection of 4th Street and Court Street, on the right when traveling east on 4th Street.)
Marker installed: 1919

  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 town of Elkader, Iowa was named after Abd el-Kader, a 19th-century Algerian Muslim leader who fought against French colonialism. The town was founded by settlers from Dubuque, who were inspired by Abd el-Kader's bravery and leadership.
Iowa random facts
Wapello County, Iowa has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Meskwaki and the Ioway, who relied on the land for hunting and gathering. European settlement began in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlers arriving in the 1830s.

The county was officially established in 1844 and was named after Wapello, a prominent Meskwaki chief. It quickly grew as more settlers moved into the area, attracted by fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The establishment of coal mines and the construction of railroads in the late 19th century further fueled the area's development, leading to rapid population growth and industrialization.

By the early 20th century, Wapello County had become a thriving center of coal mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, like many other communities in the region, it was hit hard by the Great Depression in the 1930s. The decline of coal mining and the challenges faced by the agricultural sector had a significant impact on the county's economy.

In recent years, Wapello County has experienced efforts to diversify its economy and promote economic growth. The county has seen investments in industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Today, Wapello County continues to be an important hub for the region, with a strong agricultural sector, a growing healthcare industry, and a proud heritage that is celebrated through various historical sites and events.

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

  • 1843: Wapello County is established as a county in Iowa.
  • 1844: Ottumwa, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1855: The first courthouse in Ottumwa is built.
  • 1861-1865: Wapello County residents serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1877: The first railroad, the Burlington, Cedar Rapids, and Minnesota Railway, is built in the county.
  • 1901: Ottumwa experiences a severe flood.
  • 1916: The Greater Ottumwa Park is officially opened.
  • 1976: The Wapello County Historical Museum is established.
  • 2008: The Great Iowa Flood causes significant damage in Ottumwa and Wapello County.
  • 2017: The renovation of the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa is completed.