Historical Marker

Champaign County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Urbana, Ohio
( Marker is at the intersection of Scioto Street (U.S. 36) and Main Street (U.S. 68), in the median on Scioto Street.)
Marker installed: 1871

  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.

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Ohio random facts
Champaign County, Ohio, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1805. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes, who were gradually displaced by European settlers. The first permanent settlers began arriving in the late 1700s, with the majority coming from the eastern states.

In the early 19th century, Champaign County saw rapid development and growth. The National Road, which passed through the county, spurred economic activity and brought an influx of settlers. The county's fertile soil attracted farmers, who established successful agricultural practices, primarily focused on crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans. The construction of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad in the mid-1800s further enhanced the county's connectivity and facilitated trade.

Champaign County played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad during the mid-1800s. The county's location between the South and Canada made it an important stop for escaping slaves. Many residents provided shelter, provisions, and transportation to freedom, risking their own safety to support the cause of freedom.

The county also witnessed industrial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Manufacturing became a significant source of employment, with companies like the Ohio Match Company and the Packard Motor Car Company establishing factories in the area. These industries brought prosperity and attracted workers from neighboring regions.

In summary, Champaign County, Ohio, has a history rooted in Native American settlements, early European colonization, agricultural development, abolitionist activities, and industrial growth. It continues to be an important county in the state, known for its rich cultural heritage, economic diversity, and agricultural productivity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Champaign County, Ohio.

  • 1805: Champaign County was established on February 20, 1805.
  • 1810: The first permanent settlement, Urbana, was founded in 1810.
  • 1812: The War of 1812 began, and several residents of Champaign County served in the conflict.
  • 1833: The first courthouse was constructed in Urbana.
  • 1846: The Little Miami Railroad reached Urbana, connecting the county to the national railway network.
  • 1892: Champaign County Historical Society was established to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1917-1919: Champaign County contributed to the American effort in World War I.
  • 1938: The Ohio Land Utilization Survey revealed that agriculture was the mainstay of the county's economy.
  • 1966: The Champaign County Airport was constructed near Urbana.
  • 2008: The Champaign County Bicentennial Celebration commemorated the county's 200th anniversary.