Historical Marker

When the Civil War Came to Indiana

Historical marker location:
515 S. State Street, West Harrison, Indiana
( Marker is on S. State Street south of Mill Street, on the right when traveling south.)

John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail

  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 Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the Indy 500, was originally built as a test track for car manufacturers. The first race was held in 1909 and it has since become one of the most famous race tracks in the world.
Indiana random facts
Dearborn County, located in southeastern Indiana, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1803. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes such as the Miami and Shawnee, who used the fertile land for hunting and farming. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century and began to establish farms and towns.

By the early 19th century, Dearborn County had become an important center of commerce and transportation due to its location along the Ohio River. Steamboats regularly traveled along the river, transporting goods and people to and from the county. The town of Lawrenceburg, which served as the county seat, became a hub of economic activity with industries such as mills, distilleries, and shipbuilding flourishing.

During the American Civil War, Dearborn County played a significant role, as it was situated on the border between the Union and Confederate territories. The county saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes, with both sides vying for control of the strategically important Ohio River. Lawrenceburg was occupied by Union troops early in the war, providing support and resources for the Union cause.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dearborn County experienced industrial growth, particularly in the automobile industry. The county was home to several automobile manufacturing companies, including the famous Stutz Motor Company. This led to an economic boom, with new jobs and businesses flourishing in the area.

Today, Dearborn County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a rich history. It is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, including the rolling hills of the Dearborn Highlands and the Ohio River. The county also maintains a strong agricultural tradition, with farms and farmers markets contributing to the local economy. Historic landmarks and museums provide a glimpse into the county's past, ensuring that its history is preserved and celebrated for future generations.

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

  • 1680: French explorer RenĂ©-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, claims the territory for France.
  • 1763: Treaty of Paris ends French and Indian War, transferring control of the area to Great Britain.
  • 1774: Richard Venable becomes the first recorded permanent settler in what is now Dearborn County.
  • 1795: Northwest Territory, including present-day Dearborn County, is established by the United States.
  • 1803: Dearborn County is officially created and named after Revolutionary War hero Henry Dearborn.
  • 1811: Lawrenceburg is established as the county seat of Dearborn County.
  • 1812-1815: Dearborn County plays a role in the War of 1812, with skirmishes occurring in the area.
  • 1838: The county's first railroad, the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, begins operation.
  • 1843: Rising Sun is incorporated as a town in Dearborn County.
  • 1851: Aurora is incorporated as a town in Dearborn County.
  • 1862-1865: Many residents of Dearborn County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1895: Greendale is incorporated as a town in Dearborn County.
  • 1965: The Hollywood Casino opens in Lawrenceburg, becoming the first casino in the state of Indiana.