Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial - Vigo County

Historical marker location:
33 South 3rd Street, Terre Haute, Indiana
( Memorial is at the intersection of South 3rd Street and Wabash Avenue, on the right on South 3rd Street.)
Marker installed: 1909

Terre Haute, Indiana. County Courthouse

  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.

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Indiana random facts
Vigo County, located in Indiana, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the region became a popular trading post due to its location along the Wabash River.

In 1816, Vigo County was established and named after Colonel Francis Vigo, an Italian immigrant who aided the American revolutionaries during the War of Independence. The county experienced rapid growth during the 19th century, thanks to its favorable location for trade and transportation. It became an important center for agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce. The city of Terre Haute, the county seat, became a hub for railroads and the coal industry, further fueling economic development.

Vigo County played a significant role in the Civil War. It was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting escaping slaves in their journey northward. Several residents served in the Union Army, and Terre Haute became an important location for military training and production. The county's economic growth continued in the following decades, with the establishment of various industries and institutions, including Indiana State University in 1865.

In the 20th century, Vigo County went through periods of prosperity and challenges. The Great Depression and the decline of the coal industry brought hardships to the area, but efforts to diversify the economy led to the establishment of new industries and the revitalization of downtown Terre Haute. Today, Vigo County remains an important economic and cultural center in Indiana, known for its educational institutions, diverse industries, and historical landmarks.

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

  • Vigo County was established by an act of the Indiana General Assembly on January 21, 1818.
  • The county was named after Colonel Francis Vigo, a Revolutionary War hero and prominent local merchant.
  • Terre Haute became the county seat of Vigo County in 1818, and it remains the county seat to this day.
  • The county experienced rapid growth in the mid-19th century due to the arrival of the railroad and the growth of the coal and iron industries.
  • In 1863, during the Civil War, the Battle of Fort Harrison took place in Vigo County, resulting in a Union victory.
  • The early 20th century brought significant urban development to the county, with the expansion of manufacturing and the establishment of Indiana State University in Terre Haute.
  • Vigo County played a notable role in the 1920s as the headquarters of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan, which had gained significant political power in the state.
  • Throughout the 20th century, Vigo County remained a center for industry, agriculture, and education, with the continued growth of Terre Haute and surrounding communities.
  • In recent years, the county has faced economic challenges, similar to many Rust Belt areas, but continues to be a vibrant and diverse community.