Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
1701 Elmwood Drive, Coffeyville, Kansas
( Memorial is on 16th Street west of Elmwood Drive, on the right when traveling east.)

1861 - 1865

  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.

Before becoming a state, Kansas was the site of many battles and conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups, earning it the nickname "Bleeding Kansas."
Kansas random facts
Montgomery County, Kansas has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and the Kansa. European settlement began in the early 19th century when traders and trappers arrived in the region. The land was then part of the Cherokee Indian Reservation, established in the 1830s.

In 1869, Montgomery County was officially established and named after General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived, attracted by the fertile land and the new opportunities that the railroad brought. Towns like Independence, Coffeyville, and Caney were founded during this time and became important centers of commerce and industry.

The late 19th century saw significant developments in Montgomery County. Agriculture played a crucial role in the economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco. The discovery of oil in the region in the 1890s brought a boom to the area. Numerous oil wells were drilled, and the oil industry became a major source of employment and prosperity.

Montgomery County also witnessed notable events in its history, such as the infamous Coffeyville Raid in 1892. During this bank robbery attempt, the Dalton Gang, notorious outlaws, met their end in a shootout with the local law enforcement. The county has preserved this history through museums and landmarks, allowing visitors to learn about the area’s past.

Today, Montgomery County continues to thrive as a vital part of Kansas. It boasts a diverse economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries contributing to its growth. The county's history remains an integral part of its identity, celebrated and cherished by its residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1869: Montgomery County organized and named after general Richard Montgomery
  • 1870: The first post office was established in the county.
  • 1871: The first county fair took place.
  • 1872: The first courthouse was built in Independence, the county seat.
  • 1877: The first railroad reached Independence, boosting the local economy.
  • 1888: A fire destroyed the county courthouse, leading to the construction of a new one.
  • 1925: Oil was discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1931: The Montgomery County Historical Society was established.
  • 1958: The Montgomery County State Lake was constructed.
  • 1973: The Coffeyville Community College was established in Montgomery County.
  • 2011: The Montgomery County Action Council was formed to promote economic development.