Historical Marker

Civil War Cannon

Historical marker location:
1801 W Airline Hwy, Laplace, Louisiana
( Marker can be reached from West Airline Highway (U.S. 61) 0.1 miles east of Percy Hebert Road, on the right when traveling south.)

  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.

Hurricane Katrina, which struck Louisiana in 2005, was one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. The storm caused widespread destruction in New Orleans and other parts of the state, and its aftermath highlighted issues of poverty, race, and government response in the United States.
Louisiana random facts
St. John The Baptist Parish, located in southeastern Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history that spans over centuries. This historic region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Houmas and Choctaws, before European exploration and settlement began. The parish was officially established in 1807 and is named after St. John The Baptist, the patron saint of the region.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, St. John The Baptist Parish thrived as an agricultural hub, known for its vast plantations and large slave populations. The area was primarily focused on cultivating sugar cane, which resulted in the parish becoming one of the leading sugar-producing regions in the United States. The legacy of this era can still be seen today in the grand plantation homes and restored sugar mills that dot the landscape.

Throughout its history, the parish has faced numerous challenges, including devastating hurricanes and natural disasters. Perhaps the most infamous event in recent memory is Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life. However, the community rallied together, rebuilt homes, and recovered, demonstrating its resilience and determination.

Today, St. John The Baptist Parish is a vibrant and thriving community that embraces its diverse cultural heritage. The region is known for its amazing cuisine, festivals, and vibrant music scene. It continues to be an important center for agriculture, with sugar cane farming still playing a significant role in the local economy. St. John The Baptist Parish stands as a testament to the strength of its people and the spirit of community that has shaped its history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1807: St. John The Baptist Parish, LA, is established as one of the original 19 parishes of the Territory of Orleans.
  • 1812: The parish becomes part of the state of Louisiana when it is admitted to the Union.
  • 1834: The town of Edgard is founded and becomes the parish seat.
  • 1850s: The parish experiences a boom in sugar production, with numerous sugar plantations established.
  • 1862-1865: St. John The Baptist Parish is occupied by Union forces during the Civil War.
  • 1877: The parish courthouse in Edgard is destroyed by fire.
  • 1884: The town of LaPlace is incorporated and becomes an important center in the parish.
  • 1926: The parish courthouse is rebuilt in Edgard.
  • 1960s: The parish's population and industrial development grow significantly.
  • 2005: St. John The Baptist Parish is severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina, with widespread flooding and damage.
  • 2013: Construction begins on the "Resilient Eden Isle" flood protection system to improve the parish's resilience to future storms.