Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
101 East Main Street., Waconia, Minnesota
( Memorial is on East 1st Street east of South Pine Street, on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1892

  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.

Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
Minnesota random facts
Carver County, Minnesota, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, who relied on the region's fertile lands and abundant water sources for sustenance and trade.

The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, and Carver County saw rapid growth with the establishment of the Carver Land Office in 1851. The land office facilitated the sale and settlement of vast areas, attracting farmers, merchants, and entrepreneurs to the area. Pioneering families, often of German and Irish descent, flocked to Carver County, transforming the landscape into a bustling agricultural hub known for its wheat, corn, and dairy production.

The county was officially named Carver in 1855, in honor of Jonathan Carver, an explorer who is believed to have passed through the region in the mid-18th century. With the expansion of railroads in the late 19th century, Carver County's economy further flourished, as it became easier to transport goods and connect with nearby cities.

Today, Carver County is a growing suburban community that strikes a balance between its agricultural roots and modern developments. The county's natural beauty, including the picturesque Lake Minnetonka, has drawn many residents seeking a peaceful and scenic environment. With its strong sense of community and commitment to preserving its history, Carver County continues to thrive and attract new residents, while honoring its past.

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

  • 1855: Carver County is established as a county in the state of Minnesota.
  • 1856: The city of Carver becomes the county seat.
  • 1862: The Dakota War of 1862 affects Carver County, leading to the evacuation of settlers.
  • 1868: The Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway reaches Carver County, boosting transportation and trade.
  • 1872: The city of Chaska becomes the new county seat.
  • 1950s: Carver County experiences rapid population growth due to its proximity to the Twin Cities.
  • 1960s: Carver County faces urbanization and suburbanization challenges amidst the growing metropolitan area.
  • 1999: The United States Census Bureau identifies Carver County as the fastest-growing county in Minnesota.
  • 2000s: Carver County continues to experience population growth and development, while preserving its rural character.