Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
210 North Kansas Avenue, Ellsworth, Kansas
( Memorial is at the intersection of Kansas Avenue and 1st Street, on the left when traveling north on Kansas Avenue.)

  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 outlaw Jesse James was killed in St. Joseph, Missouri, which is just across the border from Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Ellsworth County in Kansas holds a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kansas, Pawnee, and Osage. In 1864, the county was established as a part of the Kansas Territory. It was named after Fort Ellsworth, which was constructed nearby to provide protection for settlers and pioneers traveling along the Smoky Hill Trail.

During the late 1800s, Ellsworth County witnessed a significant boom due to the arrival of the railroad. The Kansas Pacific Railway's presence attracted numerous settlers and businesses to the area. Ellsworth, the county seat, quickly grew into a bustling town and even proclaimed itself as the "Wickedest Cattle Town in Kansas" due to its reputation for lawlessness and debauchery.

However, following the peak of its prosperity in the early 1870s, Ellsworth faced a decline as the railroad line was rerouted elsewhere. This led to the town losing its status as a major transportation hub, resulting in a population decrease and economic struggles. Despite these challenges, Ellsworth County remained resilient and continued to thrive due to its agricultural industry, with farming and ranching becoming the primary focus of the area.

In recent years, Ellsworth County has seen a resurgence, embracing its past while also promoting growth and development. Today, the county showcases its historical charm through various attractions, including the Ellsworth County Historical Society Museum, which provides a glimpse into the area's colorful past. The county also hosts events like the Fort Harker Days celebration, commemorating the Civil War-era fort that played a crucial role in the region's history.

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

  • 1867: Ellsworth County is officially established on February 26.
  • 1867: Fort Harker is established near the present-day city of Ellsworth.
  • 1868: The city of Ellsworth is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1868-1872: Ellsworth becomes a prominent cattle town along the Kansas Pacific Railway.
  • 1873: Ellsworth experiences a major fire that destroys large parts of the city.
  • 1876: The first notable conflict between cowboys and law enforcement, known as the "Ellsworth Gunfight," takes place.
  • 1877: A second fire devastates Ellsworth, resulting in the construction of many brick buildings.
  • 1880s: Ellsworth's cattle trade begins to decline as the railhead moves westward.
  • 1888: The city of Wilson is officially incorporated in Ellsworth County.
  • 1900s: Agriculture becomes the main industry in Ellsworth County.
  • 1930s: The Dust Bowl causes significant hardship for farmers in the county.
  • 1950s: The construction of highways and improvements in transportation further develop the county.
  • 1994: The County Courthouse in Ellsworth is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.