National Register Listing

Kent County Civil War Monument

a.k.a. Kent County Soldiers' Monument

Division Ave. at Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, MI
Local significance of the object:
Art; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
  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 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.

art social history
The Detroit Lions football team was one of the original teams in the National Football League (NFL) when it was founded in 1920. The Lions have played their home games at Ford Field in Detroit since 2002.
Michigan random facts
Kent County, Michigan has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlers arrived, the region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwa. These tribes relied on the land for hunting, fishing, and farming.

European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The county's name, Kent, was chosen in honor of Kent County, England. The new settlers established agricultural communities and began building mills and industries along the Grand River, which runs through the county.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kent County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Grand Rapids became a major industrial center, attracting businesses such as furniture manufacturing, paper mills, and automotive production. This industrial boom led to population growth and prosperity, solidifying the county's reputation as an economic hub in Michigan.

Kent County has also been known for its commitment to education and culture. It is home to several acclaimed colleges and universities, including Calvin University and Grand Valley State University. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, located in downtown Grand Rapids, pays tribute to the county's most famous resident, the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford.

Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. It boasts a diverse economy, with a mix of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The county is known for its natural beauty, offering residents and visitors a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. With its rich history and promising future, Kent County remains an integral part of Michigan's landscape.

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

  • 1831: Kent County is organized and established.
  • 1846: The village of Grand Rapids is incorporated.
  • 1848: The first courthouse is constructed in Grand Rapids.
  • 1850: The construction of the Grand River Valley Railroad begins.
  • 1855: The village of Kent is incorporated.
  • 1868: The village of Grand Rapids becomes a city.
  • 1871: The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad is completed.
  • 1900: Kent County's population reaches over 100,000.
  • 1956: The construction of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport begins.
  • 1991: John Ball Zoological Garden is renamed John Ball Zoological Park.
  • 2010: Kent County's population exceeds 600,000.