Historical Marker

Civil War and Spanish-American War Memorial

Historical marker location:
111 West 1st Street, Grand Island, Nebraska
( Marker is on Locust Street near 1st Street (U.S. 30), on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1913

  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.

Nebraska was admitted to the Union on March 1, 1867, becoming the 37th state in the United States.
Nebraska random facts
Hall County, located in the state of Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha Indians. These tribes relied on the Platte River for hunting, fishing, and as a trade route.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to move into the area. The city of Grand Island, which is the county seat of Hall County, was founded in 1857. The construction of the Union Pacific Railroad through the region in the late 1860s played a significant role in the county's development, bringing in more settlers and creating opportunities for trade and commerce.

The agriculture industry has always been important to Hall County. In the early days, settlers primarily engaged in cattle ranching and farming, growing crops such as wheat, corn, and oats. The irrigation systems were developed to support the farming industry, contributing to the county's economic growth.

Over the years, Hall County has faced challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters. The county was affected by the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, which resulted in soil erosion and crop failures. However, the resilience of its residents and the diversity of its economy helped the county recover and thrive in subsequent years.

Today, Hall County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy. It is known for its thriving agricultural sector, manufacturing industries, and a growing healthcare sector. The county also offers various recreational opportunities, including parks, lakes, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

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

  • 1857 - Hall County is established and named after Augustus Hall, a Nebraska legislator
  • 1863 - First permanent settlement is established in the county
  • 1867 - Grand Island is officially recognized as the county seat
  • 1872 - The Union Pacific Railroad reaches Grand Island, leading to increased growth and development
  • 1890 - Grand Island experiences a devastating tornado, resulting in significant damage and loss of life
  • 1900 - Hall County's population reaches over 16,000 residents
  • 1921 - The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is founded in Grand Island, showcasing the region's history
  • 1942 - Grand Island Army Airfield is established during World War II
  • 1980 - The Hall County Courthouse, built in 1904, is added to the National Register of Historic Places
  • 2000 - Hall County's population surpasses 53,000 residents