Historical Marker

Montgomery County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Dayton, Ohio
( Memorial is on Main Street (Ohio Route 48), in the median.)
Marker installed: 1884

  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 Ohio River, which forms the state's southern border, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
Ohio random facts
Montgomery County, located in southwestern Ohio, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by European-American pioneers in the late 18th century and was officially organized as Montgomery County in 1803. Shortly after, the county's largest city, Dayton, was founded, and it quickly became a hub of manufacturing and innovation.

During the early 20th century, Dayton played a significant role in the development of aviation and transportation. The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, who hailed from Dayton, made their famous first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903. Their innovation and passion for aviation put Dayton on the map as the birthplace of aviation, and the city continues to honor that legacy today.

In the mid-20th century, Montgomery County experienced significant growth and economic prosperity. The area was home to numerous manufacturing companies, particularly in the automobile, aerospace, and defense industries. The city of Dayton became known as the "Gem City" due to its bustling economy and cultural offerings, including theaters, museums, and parks.

In recent years, Montgomery County has faced challenges relating to the decline of traditional manufacturing and the impact of economic recessions. However, the county has worked to diversify its economy by focusing on healthcare, education, and research sectors. Today, Montgomery County continues to be an important center of innovation and a vibrant community that values its history while embracing the opportunities of the future.

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

  • 1803: Montgomery County is established as part of the Northwest Territory.
  • 1812-1813: Fort Dayton is built in what is now Dayton to protect settlers during the War of 1812.
  • 1827: The Miami and Erie Canal is completed, connecting Dayton to Cincinnati and Lake Erie.
  • 1840s: The railroads arrive in Montgomery County, leading to economic growth and increased trade.
  • 1870: Dayton becomes known as the "Gem City" due to its prosperous manufacturing industry.
  • 1903: The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, successfully fly their powered aircraft in Dayton.
  • 1913: The Great Dayton Flood devastates the city, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  • 1922: The world's first coordinated system of arterial highways is implemented in Montgomery County.
  • 1935: The US Air Force establishes Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton.
  • 1969: The University of Dayton becomes co-ed, admitting women for the first time.
  • 1998: The Dayton Peace Accords are signed, ending the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.