Historical Marker

LaGrange County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
105 North Detroit Street, LaGrange, Indiana
( Marker is on North Detroit Street south of Michigan Street, 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 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
Lagrange County, Indiana, named after the famous French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Miami and Potawatomi. European settlers began arriving in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1832 and quickly grew as more settlers arrived to claim land and establish communities. Lagrange County was an important center for agriculture, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. The development of railroads in the late 19th century further supported the county's growth, facilitating transportation and trade.

The late 19th century saw the rise of several industries in Lagrange County, including manufacturing, sawmills, and brickmaking. The town of Lagrange became the county seat and a hub of economic activity. However, like many other rural areas, Lagrange County faced challenges during the Great Depression and the decline of agriculture in the mid-20th century. Many residents left in search of better opportunities in urban areas.

In recent years, Lagrange County has experienced a resurgence in tourism and outdoor recreational activities due to its beautiful landscape and extensive recreational areas. The county is home to numerous lakes, parks, and campgrounds, attracting visitors from far and wide. Lagrange County remains a close-knit community that celebrates its agricultural roots while embracing economic diversification.

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

  • 1832: Lagrange County is established in the state of Indiana.
  • 1837: The county courthouse is built in the town of Lima, which later becomes known as LaGrange.
  • 1842: LaGrange County's first newspaper, the "LaGrange Standard," is published.
  • 1860: The population of LaGrange County reaches over 10,000 people.
  • 1877: The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Hall is constructed in the town of LaGrange.
  • 1895: The county's first telephone system is established.
  • 1908: LaGrange County's first automobile, a Ford Model T, is purchased.
  • 1925: The Strawberry Festival is held for the first time in Shipshewana, becoming an annual tradition.
  • 1956: The LaGrange County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1995: The Topeka Historic Depot Museum opens, showcasing the county's railroad history.
  • 2007: The population of LaGrange County exceeds 37,000 people.