Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
526 Water Street, Port Huron, Michigan
( Memorial is on Water Street west of Military Street (Business Interstate 69/94), on the left when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1925

  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 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
St. Clair County, located in the southeastern part of the state of Michigan, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 17th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa and Ottawa. The first European explorer to visit the region was French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac in 1698.

In the 18th century, St. Clair County became an important trading post for French fur traders. The region was also a battleground during the French and Indian War, with several conflicts taking place near the Fort Gratiot area. In the late 18th century, the area came under British control following the Treaty of Paris.

The 19th century brought significant changes to St. Clair County. It became a center for shipbuilding and trade as pioneers and settlers from the east began to migrate to Michigan. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 1820s further boosted economic activity in the region by connecting ports along the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

During the American Civil War, St. Clair County played a significant role in supporting the Union cause. The area saw a surge in industrialization, with factories producing munitions, ships, and other supplies for the war effort. Following the war, St. Clair County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce.

Today, St. Clair County retains a strong sense of its past while also embracing modernization and economic diversification. Its historical sites, such as the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and the Thomas Edison Depot Museum, attract visitors interested in learning about the county's rich heritage. The region's natural beauty, with its lakes, rivers, and parks, offer recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike. St. Clair County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Michigan, with a bright future ahead.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of St. Clair County, Michigan.

  • St. Clair County was established in 1820.
  • In 1821, Port Huron became the county seat.
  • In the early 1830s, the area was settled by European immigrants.
  • In 1848, the Grand Trunk Railroad reached Port Huron, boosting economic growth.
  • During the late 1800s, St. Clair County became a major shipping hub for lumber and agricultural products.
  • In 1957, the Blue Water Bridge connecting Port Huron to Canada was opened.
  • Throughout the 20th century, the county's economy diversified with industries such as automotive manufacturing and tourism.
  • In recent years, St. Clair County has focused on promoting outdoor recreational activities, attracting visitors and residents alike.