Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Neodesha, Kansas
Marker installed: 1908

  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
Wilson County, Kansas has a rich history that stretches back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kaw, who used the land for hunting and gathering. European settlement began in the 1850s with the arrival of pioneers seeking a new life on the frontier.

In 1865, the county was officially established and named after Colonel Hiero T. Wilson, a Union officer who was killed in the Civil War. The town of Fredonia was selected as the county seat. During this time, the economy of Wilson County was primarily based on agriculture, with farming and livestock raising being the main sources of income for settlers.

The late 19th century saw a boom in coal mining in Wilson County. With the discovery of vast coal deposits, mining operations flourished, attracting immigrants from Europe to work in the mines. This period of economic growth led to the establishment of several new towns, such as Altoona and Buffville, to support the mining industry.

However, the coal mining industry eventually declined in the early 20th century, and Wilson County experienced a shift toward other industries, including oil and gas production, manufacturing, and agriculture. Today, Wilson County is known for its agricultural production, particularly in crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans.

Throughout its history, Wilson County has remained a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its heritage. The county has preserved its historical sites and landmarks, such as the Fredonia Opera House and the Wilson County Historical Society Museum, which provide insights into the region's past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wilson County, Kansas.

  • 1854 - Wilson County is established as a county in the Kansas Territory.
  • 1861 - Wilson County is officially organized.
  • 1867 - The first post office is established in Fredonia, the county seat.
  • 1870 - The population of Wilson County reaches 3,276.
  • 1871 - The first railroad, Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad, is built in the county.
  • 1873 - The town of Neodesha is founded and becomes a railroad junction.
  • 1881 - A major flood devastates the county and causes widespread damage.
  • 1887 - The town of Altoona is incorporated.
  • 1910 - Oil is discovered in Wilson County, leading to an oil boom and economic growth.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits Wilson County, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.
  • 1960s - The county experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the oil industry.
  • 1978 - The Wilson County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 2010 - The population of Wilson County is recorded as 9,409.