Wells County 1862 Cannon - Civil War
Historical marker location: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 early years of Wells County were marked by rapid development and growth. Agriculture became a primary industry, with crops like corn, wheat, and oats being cultivated on the fertile soil. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further accelerated growth, connecting Wells County to larger markets and boosting the local economy. The county became a major center for grain processing and became known for its flour mills and grain elevators.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wells County experienced industrial expansion and diversification. Factories and manufacturing plants were established, producing goods such as furniture, farm machinery, and automobile parts. The county's population also grew during this time, with many immigrants, mainly from Germany and Scandinavia, settling in the area.
In recent decades, Wells County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Agriculture remains a significant part of the local economy, alongside a growing emphasis on business and industry. The county is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to preserving its rich history, which is evident in the many historical sites and museums scattered throughout the area.
Wells County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wells County, Indiana.
- 1837 - Wells County is established and named after Captain William Wells.
- 1838 - The first settlers, Joseph S. Bell and William P. Huddleston, establish their homesteads in the county.
- 1841 - The town of Bluffton is platted and becomes the county seat.
- 1847 - The first newspaper, The Wells County Gazette, is published in Bluffton.
- 1861-1865 - Wells County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1880 - The population of Wells County reaches 10,000 residents.
- 1884 - The Wells County Courthouse, designed by architect J.C. Johnson, is completed.
- 1900-1950 - Wells County experiences significant agricultural growth and the development of manufacturing industries.
- 1965 - The Bluffton Regional Medical Center is established to provide quality healthcare to the community.
- 1989 - The Ouabache State Park is established, providing recreational activities for residents and visitors.
- 2002 - The Little River Wetlands Project is initiated to preserve and restore wetland habitats in Wells County.