Historical Marker

The Fighting McCooks and the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Carrollton, Ohio
( Marker is at the intersection of 2nd Street SW and South Lisbon Street (Ohio Route 332) on 2nd Street SW.)
Marker installed: 1966

  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 Wright brothers, who invented and flew the first successful airplane, were from Dayton, Ohio. The city is now home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Ohio random facts
Carroll County in Ohio has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially settled by Native American tribes, particularly the Delaware, Wyandot, and Shawnee. However, with the arrival of white settlers, the Native American presence dwindled, and settlers began to establish permanent communities in the region.

The county was officially formed on December 25, 1833, and it was named in honor of Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Early settlers were primarily farmers attracted to the fertile land in the area. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s brought further economic development to Carroll County, as it provided a transportation route for goods and increased trade opportunities.

The discovery of coal deposits in the late 19th century led to the growth of mining operations in the county. Many small mining communities sprang up, and the population of Carroll County boomed. Coal mining became the backbone of the local economy, contributing significantly to the county's growth and prosperity.

In the 20th century, Carroll County faced challenges brought on by economic downturns and changing industries. Coal mining declined, and the county had to adapt to new economic opportunities. Today, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are vital components of the county's economy. The area's beautiful landscapes, including the picturesque Atwood Lake, attract visitors from near and far, providing an economic boost to the county. Despite the challenges, Carroll County's history is one of resilience and adaptation, with its communities continuing to thrive and progress.

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

  • 1832 - Carroll County was established on January 1, 1833.
  • 1834 - The county seat was established in Carrollton.
  • 1836 - The first courthouse was built in Carrollton.
  • 1863 - The Battle of Carrollton occurred during the Civil War.
  • 1885 - The iconic Carroll County Courthouse was completed.
  • 1969 - The Atwood Lake project was completed, creating a popular recreational area.
  • 1996 - The historic Elderberry Flats Covered Bridge, built in 1867, was destroyed by arson.
  • 2000 - The construction of the Carroll County Energy Center, a natural gas power plant, began.
  • 2010 - The Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park was established in Carrollton.
  • 2014 - The first Carroll County Fairgrounds multi-purpose building was opened.
  • 2019 - The Carroll County Historical Society Museum relocated to a new building.