Historical Marker

Civil War Dead

Historical marker location:
Pleasant Hill, Missouri

  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 Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, is the tallest arch in the world, standing 630 feet tall. It was built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States and opened to the public in 1967.
Missouri random facts
Cass County, Missouri, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage, before European settlers arrived in the early 1800s. In 1825, Cass County was officially established and named after Lewis Cass, a prominent politician of the time.

The county's early history was marked by the westward expansion and the trails that passed through the area, including the Santa Fe and Oregon trails. These trails brought a steady stream of settlers and pioneers to Cass County, contributing to its growth and development. In the mid-1800s, the county experienced significant economic and agricultural growth, with the cultivation of crops such as tobacco and hemp, as well as the establishment of many small towns and communities.

During the Civil War, Cass County became a contentious battleground due to its proximity to Kansas, a territory that was deeply divided over the issue of slavery. The county saw both Union and Confederate sympathizers, leading to armed conflicts and raids by guerrilla groups like Quantrill's Raiders. The war had significant impacts on the county, with destruction and loss of life, as well as long-lasting divisions among its residents.

In the years following the Civil War, Cass County focused on rebuilding and diversifying its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, stimulating the growth of towns like Harrisonville and Pleasant Hill. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a suburban and rural community, with a strong agricultural heritage and a growing population.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cass County, Missouri.

  • 1820 - Cass County established as a county in Missouri
  • 1827 - County seat established in Harrisonville
  • 1838 - Harrisonville named the permanent county seat
  • 1841 - Missouri Pacific Railroad completed through Cass County
  • 1855 - Belton formally incorporated as a city
  • 1861-1865 - Cass County heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1871 - Kansas City and Southern Railroad began operating in Cass County
  • 1893 - Marty Brothers built the Harrison Mill, a grain mill in Harrisonville
  • 1926 - The original Belton High School building constructed
  • 1961 - Harry S. Truman Reservoir completed, offering recreational opportunities
  • 2010 - Cass County's population reaches over 99,000