Historical Marker

Civil War Cannons

Historical marker location:
Mansfield, Ohio

  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
Richland County, OH has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Wyandot, before European settlers arrived. The first permanent European settlement was established in 1808, and the county was officially created in 1809.

During the early years of its settlement, Richland County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming being the main economic activity. However, the discovery of rich iron ore deposits in the mid-19th century transformed the county's economy. The emergence of the iron industry spurred rapid growth and attracted many immigrants to the area to work in the mines and mills.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Richland County experienced further industrial development in sectors such as steel, machinery, and rubber. This led to the rise of several major companies in the region, including the Ohio Brass Company and the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company. The county's industrialization attracted a diverse workforce and brought prosperity to the area.

Throughout its history, Richland County has also been known for its cultural and educational institutions. The county is home to many notable landmarks, including the Ohio State Reformatory, which gained fame as the filming location for the movie "The Shawshank Redemption." Richland County also boasts several museums, such as the Mansfield Memorial Museum and the Mansfield Art Center, which showcase the region's history and cultural heritage.

In summary, Richland County, OH has a history rooted in agriculture and industry. From its early agricultural roots to its transformation into an industrial powerhouse, the county has played a significant role in Ohio's economic development. Today, Richland County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse cultural scene and a strong sense of history.

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

  • 1808 - Richland County is established, named after the fertile soil found in the region.
  • 1809 - Mansfield, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1846 - The Ohio State Reformatory, famously known for being the filming location of "The Shawshank Redemption," is built.
  • 1855 - The Mansfield Normal School (now known as Mansfield University) is founded.
  • 1861-1865 - Richland County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1908 - The famous Kingwood Center Gardens is established by Charles Kelley King.
  • 1929 - The Lahm Airport (now Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport) opens as a military airfield.
  • 1937 - Malabar Farm State Park, the former home of author Louis Bromfield, is opened to the public.
  • 1970 - The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a famous racing track, holds its first race.
  • 1994 - The Mansfield Motorsports Speedway opens, hosting various racing events.