Historical Marker

Civil War Arsenal 1861 - 1864

Historical marker location:
200 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana
( Marker is at the intersection of North Capitol Avenue and West Market Street, on the right when traveling south on North Capitol Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1963

  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.

Indiana is the birthplace of the first black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but grew up in Indiana, where he attended high school and college.
Indiana random facts
Marion County, located in central Indiana, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, and Miami. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with French traders and American settlers establishing small communities in the region. In 1821, Marion County was officially created as one of the original nine counties in Indiana, named after General Francis Marion, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

During the mid-19th century, Marion County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Indianapolis, which is the county seat, was established in 1820 and quickly became a major transportation hub due to its location at the crossroads of several important trade routes. The construction of the National Road, a major east-west highway, in the 1830s further accelerated the city's growth. Indianapolis also became the state capital in 1825, solidifying its status as a political and economic center.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw continued expansion and modernization in Marion County. The city of Indianapolis played host to the Centennial Exposition in 1897, which showcased the city's progress and brought national attention to the area. The development of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909 and the subsequent rise of the Indianapolis 500 cemented the city's reputation as the "racing capital of the world."

In the present day, Marion County is the largest county in Indiana, both in terms of population and land area. It is home to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and professional services. The county also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries. Looking toward the future, Marion County is committed to sustaining its growth through strategic planning and community partnership, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Marion County, Indiana.

  • 1817 - Marion County is officially established as a county in the state of Indiana.
  • 1820 - The county seat is established in Indianapolis, which becomes the state capital a few years later.
  • 1821 - The first courthouse in Marion County is built.
  • 1837 - The construction of the National Road through Marion County brings increased trade and transportation to the region.
  • 1857 - The first railroad, the Bellefontaine and Indiana, is completed in Marion County.
  • 1887 - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, now famous for the Indianapolis 500 race, is built in Speedway, a town within Marion County.
  • 1912 - The Lyric Theatre, one of the city's earliest African-American theaters, opens in Indianapolis.
  • 1941 - The Great Flood of 1941 causes significant damage in Marion County and throughout the state.
  • 1970 - The Indiana Convention Center is opened in downtown Indianapolis, boosting the city's convention and tourism industry.
  • 2006 - Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, opens in downtown Indianapolis.