Historical Marker

Civil War Cannon

Historical marker location:
Burton, Ohio
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of West Park Street and Spring Street.)
Marker installed: 2009

  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 Kent State shootings, in which National Guardsmen shot and killed four students during a protest against the Vietnam War at Kent State University in 1970, took place in Ohio. The incident sparked widespread protests and led to the closure of hundreds of universities and colleges across the United States.
Ohio random facts
Geauga County, Ohio, was first settled by European-American pioneers in the early 19th century. The county was officially established in 1806 as one of the original counties of the Connecticut Western Reserve. The name "Geauga" is derived from a Native American word meaning "raccoon." The first European settlers faced harsh conditions, including dense forests and swamps, as they began clearing the land for agriculture and establishing small communities.

By the mid-1800s, Geauga County had become known for its agricultural productivity. The fertile soil supported a thriving industry of dairy farming and fruit cultivation. The county's proximity to Lake Erie and the development of railroads also contributed to its economic growth. Several small towns emerged, including Chardon, the county seat, which became a hub for governmental and commercial activities.

During the American Civil War, Geauga County made significant contributions to the Union cause. Many residents served in the Union Army, and the county provided supplies and support for the war effort. In the post-war years, the county experienced further development, with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The expansion of industries such as manufacturing, lumbering, and quarrying also contributed to Geauga County's growth and prosperity.

In the 20th century, Geauga County maintained its agricultural heritage while also adapting to changing economic conditions. The county experienced a population boom and suburban development around major cities like Cleveland, leading to a mix of rural and suburban areas. Today, Geauga County continues to be known for its picturesque landscapes, recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community. The county's rich history is preserved in its historical sites, museums, and local traditions, reflecting the resilience and growth of the area over the centuries.

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

  • 1796 - Geauga County is established as the first county in the Connecticut Western Reserve.
  • 1808 - Geauga County becomes an official county of the state of Ohio.
  • 1812 - Geauga County plays a role in the War of 1812 with the establishment of militia units.
  • 1842 - The village of Chardon becomes the county seat of Geauga County.
  • 1858 - The Geauga County Fair, one of the oldest and largest county fairs in Ohio, is established.
  • 1946 - Burton, a village in Geauga County, becomes the center of the nation's largest concentration of maple syrup production.
  • 1990 - Geauga County has the highest percentage of Amish residents of any county in Ohio.
  • 2010 - The population of Geauga County reaches over 93,000 residents.