Historical Marker

Orange County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Paoli, Indiana
( Marker is at the intersection of Court Street (West Side) and West Main Street (U.S. 150), on the left when traveling south on Court Street (West Side).)
Marker installed: 1903

  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
Orange County, Indiana has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Potawatomi, who lived off the land and used the rivers for transportation and trade. European settlers began moving to the area in the early 1800s, establishing small communities and farms.

The county was officially formed in 1816, making it one of the oldest counties in the state of Indiana. It was named after the orange hue of the local soil, which was unusual for the region. The early economy of Orange County revolved around agriculture, with crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco being the mainstay of the local farmers.

The discovery of mineral springs in the late 19th century brought tourism and a new industry to Orange County. Visitors flocked to the area to experience the healing properties of the springs, leading to the establishment of numerous hotels and resorts. This development brought prosperity and growth to the county, and the towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs became popular tourist destinations.

During the early 20th century, Orange County faced economic challenges due to the decline of mineral springs as a tourist attraction. However, the construction of the West Baden Springs Hotel in 1902 revitalized the tourism industry, making it one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Today, Orange County continues to be a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, charming towns, and beautiful natural landscapes.

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

  • 1816 - Orange County, Indiana is established as part of the Indiana Territory.
  • 1817 - Paoli is selected as the county seat.
  • 1830 - Population of Orange County reaches 5,046.
  • 1859 - The first railroad, Southern Railway, is constructed in Orange County.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, Paoli is the site of the Battle of Paoli, a minor engagement.
  • 1900 - The population of Orange County peaks at 18,946.
  • 1911 - West Baden Springs Hotel, a luxurious resort and spa, opens in West Baden Springs.
  • 1920s - Prohibition negatively affects the spa industry in Orange County.
  • 2004 - Orange County approves the construction of the French Lick Resort Casino, reviving the tourism industry.
  • 2010 - The population of Orange County stands at 19,840.