Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial - - Monument City Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Huntington, Indiana
( Marker is on County Road 800 W near Road 250 S, on the right when traveling south.)

  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 Wabash River, which flows through western Indiana, was the inspiration for the state song, "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away," written by Paul Dresser in 1897. It became one of the most popular songs of its time and has since become a symbol of the state's heritage.
Indiana random facts
Huntington County, Indiana, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Miami, Potawatomi, and Wea tribes. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, farming, and trading with nearby communities.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began arriving in the area, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1834 and named after Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The first town, Huntington, was founded in 1835 and quickly grew as more settlers arrived.

A significant event in the county's history occurred in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railroads. The rail lines connected Huntington County with the rest of the country, leading to increased trade and economic growth. The county became an important transportation hub, attracting industries and businesses, including manufacturing and agriculture.

Huntington County also played a role in the development of the automotive industry. R.S. Owen, a local inventor, built the first gasoline-powered tricycle in Huntington County in 1897, which is considered an early precursor to the automobile. The county has also had notable figures, such as Dan Quayle, who served as Vice President of the United States from 1989 to 1993, and astronaut Joe Allen, who flew on two space shuttle missions.

Today, Huntington County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. The county is known for its vibrant community, picturesque landscapes, and commitment to preserving its historical heritage.

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

  • 1832: Huntington County is established on February 2.
  • 1834: The first settlers arrive in the county.
  • 1835: The first school is built in the county.
  • 1839: The town of Huntington is platted.
  • 1848: The county's first newspaper, "The Democrat," is published.
  • 1850: The county's population reaches 4,110.
  • 1861-1865: Huntington County residents serve in the Civil War.
  • 1872: The Huntington County Courthouse is completed.
  • 1902: The interurban railway connects Huntington to nearby cities.
  • 1947: Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic publishing company, is founded in Huntington.
  • 1979: Huntington University is granted university status.
  • 1994: The county's population reaches 37,124.
  • 2004: The Sheets Wildlife Museum opens in Huntington.