Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial - Daviess County Indiana

Historical marker location:
200 East Washington Street, Washington, Indiana
( Memorial is on East Washington Street east of NE 2nd Street, on the left when traveling east.)

  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 first public school system in the United States was established in Indiana in 1852. The state was also home to the first kindergarten in the United States, which was founded in 1873 by a German immigrant named Margarethe Schurz.
Indiana random facts
Daviess County, located in the southwestern part of Indiana, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Miami and Piankeshaw tribes. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the establishment of Fort Knox on the Wabash River.

The county was officially established in 1817, and was named after Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, a soldier and lawyer who was killed during the Battle of Tippecanoe. The early economy of Daviess County relied heavily on agriculture, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county flourished with the development of the railroad, which connected it to larger markets, facilitating trade and industry.

One significant event in the county's history was the Morgan's Raid during the Civil War. In July 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan led a group of soldiers through Daviess County on their way to the Ohio River. They caused chaos and destruction along their path, looting homes and businesses. However, local citizens managed to hinder Morgan's progress, and he was ultimately captured in Ohio.

In the 20th century, Daviess County experienced further growth and development. The discovery of oil and gas fields in the area led to an economic boom in the early 1900s, attracting new industries and investors. The county's agricultural sector also expanded, with an emphasis on livestock farming and dairies.

Today, Daviess County is a thriving community with a well-diversified economy, including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Rich in history and natural beauty, the county offers a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Daviess County, Indiana.

  • 1816: Daviess County was founded on February 14 as one of the original 33 counties of Indiana.
  • 1818: The county seat, Washington, was established.
  • 1839: Daviess County experienced an economic boom due to the discovery of large amounts of coal, leading to increased mining activity.
  • 1850s: The Underground Railroad became active in Daviess County, aiding escaped slaves in their journey to freedom.
  • 1860s: During the Civil War, Daviess County sent troops to fight for the Union cause.
  • 1875: The Daviess County Courthouse, a Romanesque-style building, was completed and still stands today.
  • 1908: The first paved road in Daviess County was completed.
  • 1926: The Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States, passed through Daviess County.
  • 1970s: The county experienced a decline in coal mining activity and began to diversify its economy.
  • 1990s: Development of the US 50 Bypass brought increased traffic and commerce to the county.
  • Present: Daviess County continues to thrive as a rural community with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service-based industries.