Historical Marker

James A. Garfield and the Civil War

Historical marker location:
8095, Mentor, Ohio
( Marker can be reached from Mentor Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1965

  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 professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, was formed in Ohio in 1869.
Ohio random facts
Lake County, Ohio, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Erie and Iroquois, before the arrival of European settlers. The first Europeans to explore the region were French fur traders, who established a trading post at the mouth of the Grand River in the late 17th century.

In the early 19th century, settlers began moving into the area, attracted by the fertile land and the opportunity for trade along Lake Erie. The county was officially established in 1840, and its name was derived from the numerous lakes and rivers that dot the landscape. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1820s further stimulated growth and commerce in the region.

Lake County played a significant role in the development of industry in Ohio. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county became a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the steel and automotive industries. The city of Painesville, the county seat, was home to several successful companies, including the Diamond Alkali Company, which later became Diamond Shamrock and was a major producer of chemicals.

In recent years, Lake County has embraced its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county is known for its stunning Lake Erie beaches, charming wineries, and picturesque parks. It has also developed a strong tourism industry, attracting visitors from across Ohio and beyond. Lake County continues to evolve and grow, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, while also preserving its historical roots.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lake County, Ohio.

  • 1800: Lake County was established as the second county in the Connecticut Western Reserve.
  • 1805: The city of Painesville was founded and became the county seat.
  • 1812: The War of 1812 brought conflict to the region, with several battles taking place on Lake Erie.
  • 1822: The first courthouse was built in Painesville.
  • 1835: Lake County's first newspaper, the "Lake County Gazette," was published.
  • 1850: The Lake County Agricultural Society was founded to promote farming and agricultural development.
  • 1861-1865: Lake County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1876: The first railroad line, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, was completed in the county.
  • 1895: The first public library in Lake County, Painesville Public Library, was established.
  • 1942-1946: During World War II, Lake County supported the war effort through industries such as aircraft manufacturing and naval supplies.
  • 1967: Lakeland Community College, a two-year community college, opened in Kirtland.
  • 1988: The Holden Arboretum, a large botanical garden, merged with the Kirtlandia Society to become one of the largest arboretums in the United States.
  • 2009: The Lake County Captains, a minor league baseball team, started playing at the Classic Park stadium in Eastlake.