Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Garnett, Kansas

  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 famous novel "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote is based on a true story that took place in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959.
Kansas random facts
Anderson County, Kansas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The region that would become Anderson County was initially explored by French fur traders in the 1700s. However, it was not until the early 1800s that the area began to see permanent settlement and development.

The county was officially established on August 25, 1855, and named in honor of Joseph C. Anderson, a territorial legislator. The town of Garnett was selected as the county seat, and it quickly became a bustling center of commerce and trade. The agricultural boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries helped fuel the county's growth, with crops like wheat, corn, and oats dominating the local economy.

As with many Kansas counties, Anderson County played a significant role in the Civil War. Though the region was generally pro-Union, it saw its fair share of conflicts between supporters of the Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Battle of Garnett, fought on June 17, 1861, was one of the first battles of the war and resulted in Union victory. The county's residents also contributed to the war effort by enlisting in Union regiments and providing supplies and resources.

Over the years, Anderson County has experienced both triumphs and challenges. The devastating tornado of June 1965, known as the Palm Sunday Tornado outbreak, caused significant damage and loss of life to the community. However, the county has shown resilience and rebuilt in the aftermath. Today, Anderson County is known for its farming heritage, picturesque landscapes, and small-town charm, making it a beloved destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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

  • 1854 - Anderson County established as a political subdivision of the Kansas Territory
  • 1855 - First white settlers arrive in present-day Anderson County
  • 1857 - First post office opens in present-day Anderson County
  • 1858 - County seat established in present-day Garnett
  • 1862 - Anderson County officially organized
  • 1863 - First courthouse constructed in Garnett
  • 1870s - Agriculture becomes the main economic activity in the county
  • 1883 - Railroad reaches Garnett, boosting economic growth
  • Early 1900s - Oil and gas production becomes significant in the county
  • 1920s - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy
  • 1954 - Anderson County Historical Society is founded
  • 1978 - Neosho River flood causes widespread damage in the county
  • 2000s - Anderson County experiences population growth and economic development