Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial - Randolph County Indiana

Historical marker location:
Winchester, Indiana
( Memorial is at the intersection of West Washington Street (a.k.a. St. Rd. 32) and South Main Street, on the right when traveling east on West Washington Street (a.k.a. St. Rd. 32).)
Marker installed: 1890

  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 long-distance auto race in the United States was held in Indiana in 1911. The race, called the Indianapolis 500, is still held annually and is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Indiana random facts
Randolph County, Indiana has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Delaware, who established hunting grounds and villages along the White River. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, with the first permanent settlement being established in 1815 by a group of Quakers.

During the early 19th century, Randolph County became a significant center for the Quaker religion and a hub of abolitionist activity. The Quakers played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, providing safe houses to runaway slaves and helping them escape to freedom in the North. The county was also a stronghold of the anti-slavery movement, and several important abolitionist leaders, including Levi Coffin and Jonathan Lindley, resided there.

The mid-19th century witnessed rapid growth and development in Randolph County. The completion of the Whitewater Canal in the 1840s connected the county with the national transportation network, stimulating economic growth and bringing new opportunities for trade and commerce. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further accelerated the county's progress, supporting the establishment of numerous towns and industrial centers.

In the early 20th century, Randolph County faced challenges due to economic downturns and the decline of its industrial base. However, the community persevered and diversified its economy by embracing agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Today, Randolph County remains a vibrant and close-knit community, preserving its historical heritage while also embracing modern advancements and opportunities for growth.

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

  • 1805 - Randolph County is established in the Indiana Territory.
  • 1818 - Winchester becomes the county seat of Randolph County.
  • 1830s - The construction of the Whitewater Canal spurs economic and population growth in the county.
  • 1859 - Noted abolitionist and women's rights advocate, Levi Coffin, settles in the county.
  • 1862 - The Civil War impacts the county, with many residents serving in the Union Army.
  • 1890s - Natural gas discoveries lead to the establishment of several gas and oil companies in the county.
  • 1926 - The county courthouse is destroyed by a fire and is later rebuilt.
  • 1952 - Interstate 70 is completed, providing improved transportation access to the county.
  • 1990s - The county experiences industrial growth with the establishment of manufacturing facilities.
  • Present - Randolph County continues to be a predominantly rural area with a rich agricultural heritage.