Historical Marker

Civil War Flank Howitzer

Historical marker location:
101 West Pine Street, Stillwater, Minnesota
( Memorial is at the intersection of Pine Street and 3rd Street (County Route 23), on the left when traveling west on Pine Street.)
Marker installed: 2008

Dedicated July 4, 2008

  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
Washington County, Minnesota's history dates back to the Native American Dakota people who inhabited the lush lands along the Mississippi River for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. In the early 1800s, French Canadian fur traders explored the area and established trade routes, setting the stage for further European settlement.

In 1849, Washington County was officially established as one of Minnesota's original nine counties. The county was named after the first President of the United States, George Washington. The area quickly attracted settlers with its fertile soil and proximity to the Mississippi River, which allowed for trade and transportation. The town of Stillwater, located on the St. Croix River, became the county seat and a hub for lumber and milling industries.

During the mid to late 19th century, Washington County experienced significant growth and development as the logging industry boomed. The forests were abundant with timber, and numerous sawmills were established along the rivers, fueling economic growth in the county. However, as the timber resources dwindled, the county transitioned to agriculture, with farming becoming a pivotal part of the local economy.

In the 20th century, Washington County underwent further transformations as industrialization took hold. The construction of railroads in the county allowed for increased trade and connected the area to larger cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul. The county's economic base expanded to include manufacturing and other industries.

Today, Washington County is a vibrant and diverse community that embraces its rich history while looking towards the future. It offers a blend of urban and rural areas, with a strong focus on preserving its natural beauty and providing quality of life for its residents. The county continues to grow and evolve, further cementing its place as a dynamic part of the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area.

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

  • 1838 - Washington County is established by the Minnesota Territory government.
  • 1851 - The city of Stillwater is founded.
  • 1853 - Washington County's population reaches 4,709.
  • 1862 - The Dakota War of 1862 begins, leading to conflict and displacement in the area.
  • 1870 - The St. Croix Boom Site, used for logging, is opened in Stillwater.
  • 1897 - The Washington County Courthouse is constructed in Stillwater.
  • 1920 - The population of Washington County reaches 27,472.
  • 1951 - Interstate 94 is completed, connecting Washington County to the rest of the state.
  • 1973 - A waterway management plan is established to protect the St. Croix River.
  • 2000 - The population of Washington County surpasses 201,000.