Historical Marker

Pre-Civil War Residence

Historical marker location:
340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, Illinois
( Marker is on Old McHenry Road, on the right when traveling east.)

c. 1855

  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.

Illinois was the first state in the country to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. The amendment was ratified by Illinois on February 1, 1865, before it was ratified by any other state.
Illinois random facts
Lake County, Illinois is located in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 40 miles north of downtown Chicago. Known for its natural beauty and numerous lakes, the county has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the Native American tribes that first inhabited the area.

The earliest recorded history of Lake County begins with the Potawatomi and Miami tribes, who used the land for hunting and gathering. European settlers arrived in the late 17th century, primarily traders and missionaries seeking to establish relationships with the Native Americans. The region remained sparsely populated until the 1830s when the U.S. government opened it up for settlement.

In 1836, Lake County was officially established, named for the numerous lakes that dot its landscape. The county's growth was slow at first, but the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s sparked urban development and brought an influx of new residents. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation flourished, and the county became an important hub for trade and commerce.

Lake County experienced significant growth and expansion throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The establishment of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in the 1920s brought economic stability and employment opportunities to the area. Additionally, the construction of highways and the growth of suburbanization led to a population boom in the post-World War II era.

Today, Lake County is a thriving suburban region with a diverse population and a strong economy. It is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and recreational opportunities offered by its beautiful lakes and parks. With its rich history and ongoing growth, Lake County continues to be a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lake County, Illinois.

  • 1837 - Lake County is created in the state of Illinois.
  • 1839 - The first permanent settlement is established in the Village of Little Fort, later known as Waukegan.
  • 1859 - The Illinois State Legislature designates Waukegan as the County Seat.
  • 1874 - Lake Villa Township is established.
  • 1893 - The Great Chicago Fire leads to an influx of people and economic growth in Lake County.
  • 1909 - Naval Station Great Lakes is established in North Chicago.
  • 1934 - The Lake County Forest Preserve District is created to protect and preserve open spaces.
  • 1958 - The National Safety Council relocates its headquarters to Lake Forest.
  • 1975 - Six Flags Great America amusement park opens in Gurnee.
  • 1994 - The Lake County Discovery Museum opens in Wauconda.