Historical Marker

Knox County (Indiana) Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Vincennes, Indiana
( Memorial is at the intersection of North 7th Street and Broadway Street, on the right when traveling north on North 7th Street.)
Marker installed: 1914

  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 USS Indiana, a battleship that served in both World War I and World War II, was named in honor of the state. It was commissioned in 1895 and was the lead ship of its class.
Indiana random facts
Knox County, Indiana, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century when it was first established. The county was officially organized in 1790 and named after General Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War in the United States. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami, Piankeshaw, and Wea tribes, who lived off the land and traded with European settlers.

In the early years, Knox County played a significant role in the development of the Indiana Territory. Vincennes, the county seat, became the territorial capital in 1800 and remained so until Indiana gained statehood in 1816. It was during this time that Vincennes became the center of government, commerce, and culture in the territory.

Knox County also played a significant role in the War of 1812. The Battle of Tippecanoe, which took place in neighboring Tippecanoe County, led to heightened tensions with Native American tribes in the region. This ultimately culminated in the Battle of Vincennes in 1813 when British soldiers and their Native American allies attacked the town. The American forces managed to defend the town, securing an important victory in the war.

As the 19th century progressed, Knox County became a hub for transportation and industry. The Wabash River, which runs through the county, provided a vital route for steamboats and facilitated the growth of trade and commerce. The discovery of coal and oil in the region further spurred economic development and attracted new industries to the area.

Throughout its history, Knox County has experienced periods of growth and decline. Today, it continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of rural and urban areas. Historic sites such as the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and the Vincennes Fort Sackville Historic Site serve as reminders of the county's rich history and attract visitors from far and wide.

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

  • 1779 - The area of present-day Knox County is originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, and Piankeshaw.
  • 1732 - The French establish Fort Ouiatenon near present-day Knox County.
  • 1787 - The U.S. Congress creates the Northwest Territory, which includes Knox County.
  • 1809 - The Indiana Territory is formed, and Knox County becomes one of its original counties.
  • 1811 - Vincennes, the county seat of Knox County, becomes the capital of the Indiana Territory.
  • 1813 - The Battle of Vincennes takes place during the War of 1812.
  • 1816 - Indiana becomes a state, and Knox County is among its first counties.
  • 1825 - The Wabash and Erie Canal opens, enhancing trade and transportation in Knox County.
  • 1857 - The Vincennes University is established in Knox County.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Knox County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1901 - The Knox County Courthouse, a prominent landmark, is completed.
  • 1937 - The George Rogers Clark Memorial, honoring the Revolutionary War hero, is dedicated in Vincennes.