Historical Marker

Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial

Historical marker location:
525 North Main Street, Wichita, Kansas
( Memorial is on Central Avenue near Main Street, on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1912

  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.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was born in Denison, Texas, but grew up in Abilene, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Sedgwick County, Kansas, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area that is now Sedgwick County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Taovaya tribes. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1867, Sedgwick County was officially established, named after John Sedgwick, a Union Army general during the American Civil War. The county quickly grew and developed as a thriving agricultural community, with wheat becoming the primary crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further accelerated the county's growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.

The early 20th century brought significant changes to Sedgwick County. The city of Wichita, located within the county, experienced an economic boom due to the oil industry and the emergence of aircraft manufacturing. Cessna, Beechcraft, and Learjet, among others, established their headquarters or manufacturing facilities in Wichita, earning the city the nickname "Air Capital of the World."

Throughout the 20th century, Sedgwick County continued to grow and diversify. Today, it is the largest county in Kansas in terms of population. Along with its strong agricultural roots, the county has a diverse economy that includes aerospace, healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. Sedgwick County also offers a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities, such as museums, parks, and annual events like the Wichita Riverfest.

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

  • 1867 - Sedgwick County is established by the Kansas State Legislature.
  • 1870 - Wichita, the county seat, becomes a major cattle town due to the arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railway.
  • 1873 - The county's first courthouse is built in Wichita.
  • 1880 - The population of Sedgwick County reaches around 18,000.
  • 1900 - Exploration and drilling for oil begins, leading to the discovery of oil fields in the county.
  • 1914 - Henry J. Allen, a former governor of Kansas, establishes the Industrial Survey of Wichita, laying the foundation for the city's industrial growth.
  • 1917 - The United States enters World War I, and Wichita becomes a major aviation center with the establishment of aircraft manufacturing plants.
  • 1925 - The Wichita Municipal Airport, later known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, opens.
  • 1951 - McConnell Air Force Base is established in Sedgwick County.
  • 1963 - The Sedgwick County Zoo opens in Wichita.
  • 1976 - The Century II Convention Center is completed in downtown Wichita.
  • 1989 - The Exploration Place, a science and discovery center, opens on the banks of the Arkansas River in Wichita.
  • 1991 - Intrust Bank Arena, a multipurpose entertainment venue, opens in downtown Wichita.