Historical Marker

Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial

Historical marker location:
Tecumseh, Nebraska
( Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Street and Broadway, on the right when traveling north on 3rd Street.)
Marker installed: 1903

  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 originally part of the Louisiana Purchase, which was a vast territory acquired by the United States from France in 1803.
Nebraska random facts
Johnson County, Nebraska has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Otoe, who relied on the land for hunting and gathering. European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, primarily from Germany and Czechoslovakia, and began establishing small farming communities in the region.

In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, which opened up the area for settlement. Johnson County was officially formed in 1856 and named after Colonel Richard M. Johnson, a war hero and Vice President of the United States. The county seat, Tecumseh, was established in 1858 and quickly became a center of commerce and government for the region.

The county saw significant growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The construction of railroads, such as the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, brought increased connectivity and trade opportunities to the area. Agriculture became the primary industry, with corn and wheat being the main crops. The county also had a thriving livestock industry, with cattle and hogs being raised for market.

However, like many rural areas, Johnson County faced challenges during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era of the 1930s. Many farmers were hit hard by drought and economic instability, leading to a decline in population and agricultural productivity. Fortunately, the county rebounded in the post-war years, and today it remains an important agricultural hub in Nebraska, as well as a pleasant place to live, with picturesque landscapes and a strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Johnson County, Nebraska.

  • 1854: Johnson County established as a county in Nebraska Territory.
  • 1864: Tecumseh becomes the county seat.
  • 1872: The Atchison and Nebraska Railroad is completed in the county.
  • 1876: Sterling is incorporated as a village.
  • 1885: Cook is incorporated as a village.
  • 1887: Elk Creek is incorporated as a village.
  • 1888: Johnson County Courthouse is built in Tecumseh.
  • 1890: Sterling becomes an incorporated town.
  • 1911: Union is incorporated as a village.
  • 1920: Crab Orchard is incorporated as a village.
  • 1936: Johnson County Museum opens in Tecumseh.
  • 1959: Tornado strikes Tecumseh, causing significant damage.
  • 1989: Johnson County Historical Society is established.
  • 2008: New Johnson County Courthouse is constructed in Tecumseh.