Historical Marker

Olathe Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
738 North Chestnut Street, Olathe, Kansas
( Marker can be reached from North Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1893

  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
Johnson County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Osage tribes, who utilized the region for hunting and farming. The first European explorers entered the area in the 18th century, with French and Spanish trappers exploring the Kansas River Valley.

In the early 19th century, American settlers began to arrive in what is now Johnson County. The construction of the Santa Fe Trail in 1822 played a significant role in the county's development, as it became a major transportation route for traders and settlers heading westward. The establishment of the Shawnee Indian Mission in 1830 further solidified the area's growth.

The area saw rapid development and expansion in the mid-1800s, particularly after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854. The region became a battleground for the contentious issue of slavery, and Johnson County was a hotbed of violence during the Bleeding Kansas period, with clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces. The county played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves find freedom in the north.

After the Civil War, Johnson County experienced a boom in agriculture, with the growth of wheat, corn, and dairy farming. The expansion of the railroad network further boosted the county's economic development, connecting it to larger markets. In the 20th century, Johnson County became suburbanized, with the growth of towns and cities such as Overland Park and Olathe. Today, the county is known for its thriving economy, excellent schools, and high standard of living, making it a desirable place to live and work.

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

  • 1825 - Johnson County is established as part of the Shawnee Indian Lands.
  • 1855 - The Kansas Territory is organized and Johnson County becomes a part of it.
  • 1857 - The Town of Olathe is established as the county seat.
  • 1861 - Kansas becomes the 34th state of the United States.
  • 1865 - The First National Bank of Olathe, the county's first bank, is established.
  • 1872 - The Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Gulf Railroad reaches Johnson County.
  • 1906 - The Shawnee Indian Methodist Manual Labor School is established in Turner.
  • 1917 - The United States enters World War I, leading Johnson County residents to participate in the war effort.
  • 1920 - The population of Johnson County surpasses 20,000 residents.
  • 1930 - Johnson County Community College is founded.
  • 1955 - The population of Johnson County exceeds 100,000 residents.
  • 1973 - Sprint Corporation (now part of T-Mobile) is founded in Overland Park.
  • 2000 - The population of Johnson County reaches over 450,000 residents.
  • 2016 - Johnson County celebrates its 150th anniversary.