Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Bronson, Kansas
( Memorial is at the intersection of Spruce Street and Charles Street, on the left when traveling west on Spruce Street.)
Marker installed: 1907

  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 woman mayor in the United States, Susanna Salter, was elected in Argonia, Kansas in 1887.
Kansas random facts
Bourbon County, Kansas has a rich and interesting history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Osage and the Kanza, who used the land for hunting and foraging. However, as European settlers began to move westward, the region of Bourbon County became a part of the Kansas Territory.

In 1855, the county was officially named Bourbon, after the famous French Royal Family. The area quickly became a center for trade and commerce due to its location along the Osage River and the construction of the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas Railroad. This led to an influx of businesses and settlers, resulting in the establishment of several thriving towns within the county.

The county soon became known for its agricultural wealth, with farmers cultivating a variety of crops including corn, wheat, and tobacco. The production of tobacco, in particular, flourished in Bourbon County, making it a major player in the tobacco industry. The county's fertile soils and abundant water resources made it an ideal location for farming, further driving economic growth.

However, the history of Bourbon County is not without its share of challenges. Like many other regions during this time, the county experienced the turmoil of the Civil War, with divided loyalties and skirmishes between Union and Confederate sympathizers. Nevertheless, the county eventually recovered from the war and continued to develop both economically and socially.

Today, Bourbon County remains a vibrant and thriving community in Kansas. It is known for its rich agricultural heritage, the beauty of its natural landscapes, and its welcoming and friendly residents. The county continues to adapt and grow, while also taking pride in preserving its historical roots.

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

  • 1845 - Bourbon County is established as one of the original 33 counties of the Kansas Territory.
  • 1855 - The town of Fort Scott is founded, becoming the county seat of Bourbon County.
  • 1858 - Bourbon County's population grows rapidly with the discovery of coal and lead deposits.
  • 1861-1865 - The American Civil War impacts Bourbon County, with Fort Scott serving as a base for Union troops.
  • 1870s - Railroads reach Bourbon County, leading to increased trade and economic growth.
  • 1885 - Bourbon County experiences a "boom" period due to the expansion of coal mining operations.
  • 1893 - A devastating fire destroys much of Fort Scott's business district, leading to significant rebuilding efforts.
  • 20th century - Bourbon County's economy diversifies with the growth of agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.
  • 1951 - The Gordon Parks Elementary School is built in Fort Scott, named after the renowned African-American photographer and filmmaker.
  • 2000s - Bourbon County focuses on revitalizing its downtown areas and promoting tourism through historical preservation efforts.