Historical Marker

Athens and Missouri - a Town and State Divided by Civil War

Historical marker location:
12212 County Rd 81, Athens, Missouri
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of County Road 81 and County Highway CC.)

American Civil War (1861-1865), The Battle of Athens. Battle of Athens State Historic Site

  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 University of Missouri, located in Columbia, was the first public university west of the Mississippi River. It was founded in 1839 and has a long history of academic and athletic excellence.
Missouri random facts
Clark County, Missouri has a rich and vibrant history dating back to its establishment in 1836. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Fox, Sauk, and Ioway, European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s. The region was named after William Clark of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition, who later became the Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

During the Civil War, Clark County experienced its fair share of turmoil. It was a border county, meaning it straddled the line between the North and the South. This resulted in intense conflict between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions within the county. Additionally, there were several skirmishes and raids conducted by guerrilla fighters, such as Confederate sympathizer William Quantrill, who wreaked havoc throughout the area.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought growth and prosperity to Clark County. Railroads were constructed, connecting the county to larger urban centers and facilitating the transportation of goods and people. This helped spur economic development, particularly in agriculture and timber industries. The county also experienced a population boom as more settlers arrived, resulting in the establishment of new towns and communities.

In recent years, Clark County has focused on preserving its history and natural resources. The county boasts numerous historic sites and landmarks, including the Indian Graves Mound, an ancient Native American burial ground, and the Meierhoffer Store, a well-preserved 19th-century general store. Additionally, the county has embraced its natural surroundings, with several conservation areas and state parks that offer recreational activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing.

Overall, Clark County's history is characterized by its connection to Native American cultures, its role in the Civil War, its growth during the industrial era, and its ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage and natural beauty. It remains a place that celebrates its past while looking towards the future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Clark County, Missouri.

  • 1836: Clark County established as a county in the state of Missouri.
  • 1838: The first permanent settlement in Clark County, Alexandria, was established.
  • 1843: The town of Kahoka was platted and quickly became an important trading center.
  • 1861-1865: Clark County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
  • 1888: The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad is completed, providing improved transportation for the county.
  • 1915: Construction of the first hard-surfaced road in Clark County begins.
  • 1930: The population of Clark County reaches its peak at approximately 12,000 residents.
  • 1956: Lock and Dam No. 20 is completed on the Mississippi River, improving river transportation for the county.
  • 1976: The county courthouse in Kahoka is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1983: The Clark County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the region's history.
  • 2010: The population of Clark County is recorded at approximately 7,139 residents.