Historical Marker

Morenci Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Morenci, Michigan
( Marker is on Lime Creek Highway (Michigan Route 156), 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.

Michigan is home to many iconic landmarks, including the Mackinac Bridge, the Soo Locks, and the Michigan State Capitol building. The state also boasts numerous natural attractions, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Michigan random facts
Lenawee County, located in southeastern Michigan, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Shawnee. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1824. The county was named after an Ottawa word meaning "man," paying homage to the Native American heritage.

In the 19th century, Lenawee County developed rapidly thanks to the construction of the Erie Canal, which provided a transportation route for settlers and goods. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's early development, with farmers producing wheat, corn, and other crops. The county seat, Adrian, was founded in 1826 and quickly became a center for trade and commerce.

The mid-1800s saw the establishment of several educational institutions in Lenawee County. Adrian College was founded in 1859 and still operates as a liberal arts college today. The area also saw significant involvement in the Underground Railroad, with abolitionists helping to guide fugitive slaves to freedom.

In the 20th century, Lenawee County continued to thrive and diversify. Industries such as manufacturing and automobile production brought economic growth and increased employment opportunities. The county's agricultural sector also evolved, with an emphasis on dairy farming and fruit production. Today, Lenawee County is known for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and thriving communities, offering a combination of rural and urban amenities that attract residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1822: Lenawee County is officially organized and established.
  • 1827: Adrian, the county seat, is founded and established.
  • 1830: The Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad reaches Adrian, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
  • 1847: The first newspaper in the county, "The Lenawee Democrat," is published in Adrian.
  • 1861-1865: Lenawee County actively participates in the American Civil War, with many residents serving in Union forces.
  • 1912: The Adrian Training School for Feeble-Minded Children (later known as the Adrian State Home) is established.
  • 1925: Adrian College, a private liberal arts college, is founded.
  • 1959: Devils Lake State Park is officially dedicated, becoming a popular recreation area in the county.
  • 1969: The Croswell Opera House, a historic theater dating back to 1866, is reopened after restoration efforts.
  • 2001: The Michigan International Speedway, a NASCAR racetrack, hosts its first race in Lenawee County.