Gardner House
a.k.a. A. P. Gardner Mansion
509 S. Superior St., Albion, MI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The name "Michigan" comes from the Ojibwe word "mishigamaa," which means "large water" or "large lake." This refers to Lake Michigan, which is one of the five Great Lakes that border the state.
In 1829, Calhoun County was officially established, named after prominent American statesman, John C. Calhoun. The county seat was initially located in the town of Marshall, which quickly grew and became an important center of commerce, industry, and culture. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's early development, with farmers producing wheat, corn, and various other crops.
During the mid-19th century, Calhoun County witnessed a period of rapid growth and industrialization. The arrival of railroads in the 1850s brought enhanced transportation links, boosting trade and facilitating the development of manufacturing industries. Marshall, in particular, became known for its production of carriages and later automobiles. This period of prosperity was not without challenges, as the county experienced the impacts of the Civil War and the economic downturns that followed.
In the 20th century, Calhoun County continued to evolve, adapting to changing economic landscapes. The automotive industry took hold in the county, attracting major corporations such as General Motors and Kellogg Company, which established factories and brought job opportunities. Over the years, the county also focused on diversifying its economy, expanding into healthcare, education, and technology sectors.
Today, Calhoun County preserves its historical heritage while embracing modern advancements. It offers a blend of rural landscapes and urban centers, providing residents and visitors with a diverse array of recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities.
Calhoun County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Calhoun County, Michigan.
- 1829 - Calhoun County is established by the Legislative Council of the Michigan Territory.
- 1833 - Battle Creek is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1836 - The first courthouse is built in Battle Creek.
- 1842 - The Michigan Central Railroad extends its line to Battle Creek, promoting growth and development in the county.
- 1855 - The county's population reaches 15,000.
- 1865 - The American Civil War ends, and Calhoun County experiences rapid industrialization and economic expansion.
- 1873 - The county courthouse is destroyed by fire, leading to the construction of a new courthouse in 1874.
- 1897 - The cereal company, Kellogg's, is founded in Battle Creek, becoming a major employer in the county.
- 1930s - The Great Depression impacts Calhoun County, causing significant economic challenges.
- 1950s - The county experiences suburbanization trends, with population growth in areas surrounding Battle Creek.
- 1961 - The Battle Creek Sanitarium, founded by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, closes its doors.
- 1963 - The Battle Creek Air National Guard Base is established, bringing military presence and economic opportunities.
- 1982 - The Kellogg Company's headquarters moves from Battle Creek to nearby Battle Creek Township.
- 1990s - The county undergoes revitalization efforts, focusing on downtown Battle Creek and attracting new businesses.