Historical Marker

The State Capital During The Civil War

Historical marker location:
Jefferson City, Missouri
( Marker is on High Street west of Washington Street, on the right when traveling west.)

A State Divided: The Civil War in 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 famous Dred Scott case, which helped fuel the tensions that led to the Civil War, originated in Missouri. Dred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom in the Missouri courts in 1857, but the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled against him.
Missouri random facts
Cole County, Missouri, is located in the central part of the state. It was formed on November 16, 1820, and named after Captain Stephen Cole, an early settler and veteran of the War of 1812. The county was established when the Missouri State Legislature decided to divide the more populous and prosperous Boone County into smaller jurisdictions.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, primarily of German and Irish descent. They were attracted by the fertile soil along the banks of the Missouri River. Cole County quickly became an important agricultural center, with crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco dominating the local economy. The county seat, Jefferson City, was chosen to be the capital of Missouri in 1821, further boosting its growth and development.

During the Civil War, Cole County was a divided community. Although Missouri officially remained in the Union, there were Confederate sympathizers in the area. Jefferson City was occupied by Union troops for the majority of the war, and several notable skirmishes took place in the county. In the post-war years, Cole County experienced economic growth and modernization. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century and the construction of the Missouri State Penitentiary in the early 20th century brought further development and employment opportunities.

Today, Cole County continues to be an important political and economic hub in central Missouri. Jefferson City, the county seat, remains the state capital and houses numerous government buildings and institutions. The county is also known for its rich natural beauty, with the Missouri River offering opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Cole County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have shaped the area into the thriving community it is today.

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

  • 1818 - Cole County is established on November 16
  • 1821 - The new state capital, Jefferson City, is selected to be located in Cole County
  • 1837 - Construction of the Missouri State Penitentiary begins in Jefferson City
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, and Cole County becomes divided in its support of the Union and Confederate causes
  • 1865 - The Civil War ends, and Cole County begins the process of rebuilding and recovering from the war
  • 1896 - The first automobile arrives in Cole County
  • 1911 - The current Missouri State Capitol building is completed in Jefferson City
  • 1941 - The Jefferson City Army Airfield is established, becoming an important training center during World War II
  • 1954 - The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, known as the Gateway Arch, is completed in St. Louis, just outside of Cole County
  • 1964 - The Missouri State Penitentiary is expanded, becoming the largest walled prison in the United States
  • 1980 - The Missouri State Penitentiary closes after 133 years of operation
  • 2008 - The Capitol Avenue Historic District in Jefferson City is added to the National Register of Historic Places