Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
712 5th Street, Clay Center, Kansas
( Memorial is at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and 5th Street, on the left when traveling east on Lincoln Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1911

  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 Dodge City of the Wild West was located in Kansas and was known for its saloons, cowboys, and outlaws.
Kansas random facts
Clay County, Kansas, was established on February 20, 1857, and is named after Henry Clay, a renowned American statesman. The area's history dates back to the early 1800s when it was home to various Native American tribes, including the Kansa and Osage. European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, attracted by the fertile land along the Republican River.

The first permanent settlement in Clay County was made in 1856 near the present-day town of Clay Center. The county quickly grew in population as more settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile soil for farming and opportunities for trade. The town of Clay Center was established as the county seat in 1862.

Clay County played a crucial role in the development of early transportation systems in Kansas. The Republican River, which flows through the county, facilitated early trade and navigation. In the late 1800s, the arrival of the railroad further boosted the county's economy and growth, allowing for the transportation of goods and people.

Agriculture has always been the backbone of Clay County's economy. In the early days, wheat, corn, and oats were the primary crops cultivated by farmers. Over the years, advancements in technology and farming practices have led to increased productivity and diversification in the agricultural sector. Today, the county is known for its production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock.

Despite facing challenges such as the Great Depression and changes in agricultural practices, Clay County has managed to maintain a strong sense of community and pride in its history. The county's historical landmarks, including the courthouse in Clay Center and numerous old homes, stand as a testament to the rich heritage of the area.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Clay County, Kansas.

  • 1855: Clay County is organized and named after statesman Henry Clay.
  • 1857: The first post office is established in the county.
  • 1861-1865: Clay County residents serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1867: The county seat is relocated to Clay Center from Caddo Springs.
  • 1870: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway is completed through Clay County.
  • 1882: The county's first newspaper, the Clay Center Dispatch, is published.
  • 1892: Clay County's first public library is established in Clay Center.
  • 1900: The county's population reaches its peak at over 17,000 residents.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Clay County, leading to economic challenges for its residents.
  • 1964: The Wakefield Opera House, a historic landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1970s: Clay County's population experiences a decline due to changing agricultural practices.
  • 1997: The Clay County Museum is opened to preserve and showcase the county's history.