Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
2900 Sheridan Road, Lemay, Missouri
( Memorial is at the intersection of South Drive and Monument Drive, on the right when traveling east on South Drive.)
Marker installed: 1995

1861 • 1865. Fraternity • Charity • Loyalty

  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 infamous outlaw Jesse James was born in Clay County, Missouri, in 1847. He later became known for his bank and train robberies and was killed by a member of his own gang in 1882.
Missouri random facts
St. Louis County, Missouri has a rich history that spans back to its earliest indigenous inhabitants. Native American tribes, including the Mississippian culture, were the first known settlers in the area. The arrival of French explorers in the late 17th century introduced European contact and the establishment of fur trading posts. However, it was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 that marked a significant turning point in the history of the region, as St. Louis County became part of the growing United States.

Throughout the 19th century, St. Louis County experienced rapid growth and development. The area became a key trade and transportation hub due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River. The construction of the Erie Canal and later the railroad network further facilitated trade and led to increased industrialization. In the mid-1800s, St. Louis County witnessed an influx of immigrants, particularly from Germany and Ireland, who contributed to the cultural diversity and economic prosperity of the region.

During the 20th century, St. Louis County continued to evolve. The county experienced suburbanization and population growth, as many residents moved out of the city of St. Louis to seek a quieter suburban lifestyle. This trend was accompanied by the development of new residential communities, shopping centers, and infrastructure. However, this increased suburbanization also led to racial segregation and socioeconomic disparities.

In recent years, St. Louis County has faced various social and economic challenges. The county has been a focal point for civil rights movements and protests against racial injustice, highlighted by the events that unfolded in Ferguson in 2014. Efforts have been made to address these issues and promote inclusivity and equality. St. Louis County remains an important economic and cultural center in the Midwest, and its history continues to shape its present and future.

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

  • 1764 - St. Louis County is established by the French, becoming part of the Louisiana Territory.
  • 1804 - The area is acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1812 - St. Louis County is organized as a county within the Missouri Territory.
  • 1822 - St. Louis County becomes part of the newly established state of Missouri.
  • 1876 - The city of St. Louis secedes from the county, forming an independent city.
  • 1950s-1960s - Suburbanization begins in St. Louis County, leading to rapid population growth.
  • 2014 - Protests erupt in response to the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, a suburb of St. Louis County.