Historical Marker

Dubois County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Jasper, Indiana
( Memorial is at the intersection of Courthouse Square (East Side) and East 6th Street, on the left when traveling north on Courthouse Square (East Side).)

  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 state's capital, Indianapolis, was originally founded in 1821 as a planned city to serve as the new state capital. It was named after the Indiana tribes that once inhabited the area.
Indiana random facts
Dubois County, located in the southwestern part of Indiana, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Miami and Shawnee. The first European explorers and settlers arrived in the late 17th century, bringing cultural and economic changes to the region. In the early 1800s, the county was named after toussaint Dubois, an American Revolutionary War hero.

The development of Dubois County was greatly influenced by its natural resources. The discovery of coal in the area in the mid-19th century led to an increase in mining operations. The coal industry, along with agriculture and timber, became the backbone of the local economy. The county saw rapid growth and urbanization during this time, as more immigrants from Germany and Ireland settled in the region to work in the mines and on the farms.

The early 20th century brought both challenges and opportunities to Dubois County. The Great Depression hit the county hard, causing unemployment and economic hardship. However, the construction of the Patoka Lake Reservoir in the 1970s provided a boost to the area’s tourism and recreational opportunities. Today, the lake is a major attraction, drawing visitors with its fishing, boating, and camping opportunities.

In recent years, Dubois County has focused on diversifying its economy. While agriculture and manufacturing are still vital industries, the county has made efforts to attract technology and healthcare companies. This has contributed to the county's ongoing growth and economic stability. Additionally, Dubois County has preserved its cultural heritage through the establishment of historical sites and the celebration of local traditions and festivals.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dubois County, Indiana.

  • 1800 - Dubois County is established as part of the Indiana Territory.
  • 1811 - The first white settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1818 - Dubois County is officially organized.
  • 1839 - The county seat is relocated from Portersville to Jasper.
  • 1904 - The Jasper Woodenware Company is founded and becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1922 - Huntingburg is officially incorporated as a town.
  • 1940 - The Jasper Engine Exchange is established, paving the way for future manufacturing growth.
  • 1980 - Dubois County experiences significant population growth due to the expansion of manufacturing and healthcare industries.
  • 2011 - The Dubois County Museum is opened, showcasing the history and culture of the county.