Historical Marker

Civil War Union Soldiers Memorial

Historical marker location:
1238 North Columbus Street, Lancaster, Ohio
( Marker can be reached from North Columbus Street.)

1861-1865

  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 first traffic light in the world was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914. It had only two colors, red and green, and was manually operated by a police officer.
Ohio random facts
Fairfield County, Ohio, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to before European settlement. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee and Wyandot tribes, who relied on the fertile land and abundant wildlife. In the late 1700s, settlers from the eastern United States began to move into the region, establishing small communities and farms.

One of the earliest European settlements in Fairfield County was Lancaster, founded in 1800. The town expanded rapidly due to its strategic location along major transportation routes, such as the Ohio and Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Lancaster quickly became an important center of commerce and industry, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs.

Throughout the 19th century, Fairfield County flourished as it developed further infrastructure, including schools, churches, and government buildings. Agriculture remained a crucial part of the local economy, with farmers producing crops like corn, wheat, and tobacco. In addition to agriculture, manufacturing also played a significant role in the county's growth, particularly in areas such as textiles, pottery, and farming equipment.

In the 20th century, Fairfield County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The decline of the canal system and the rise of automobiles led to a shift in transportation and trade patterns. Manufacturing industries diversified, and new businesses emerged to meet the demands of an evolving economy. Today, Fairfield County is a mix of suburban, rural, and industrial areas, offering its residents a high quality of life, a vibrant downtown area in Lancaster, and access to natural attractions like Hocking Hills State Park.

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

  • 1800: Fairfield County was established on December 9th.
  • 1817: The county seat was moved from Lancaster to Lancaster.
  • 1839: The Lancaster and Columbus Railway was completed, connecting the county to the state capital.
  • 1929: The Great Depression had a significant impact on the county, causing economic hardship.
  • 1953: The Fairfield County Fairgrounds were established in Lancaster.
  • 1983: Fairfield Medical Center, a regional healthcare provider, opened in Lancaster.
  • 1990: The population of Fairfield County surpassed 100,000.
  • 2009: The Fairfield County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.