Historical Marker

Montpelier Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
10650 OH-107, Montpelier, Ohio
( Memorial can be reached from West Main Street (Ohio Route 107) 0.2 miles east of East Drive, on the right when traveling east.)

  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
Williams County, Ohio, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wyandot and Shawnee. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, with American Revolutionary War veterans receiving land grants here.

The county was officially established in April 1820 and named after David Williams, one of the military leaders in the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The county quickly developed due to its fertile soil and proximity to major waterways, including the St. Joseph River. Agriculture became a fundamental part of Williams County's economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans being major contributors.

As the county grew, so did its infrastructure. Early settlers constructed roads, bridges, and schools to support the expanding population. In the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought increased connectivity and economic opportunities. By the late 1800s, Williams County had a network of railway lines, making it easier to transport goods and fostering industrial growth.

Throughout the 20th century, the county continued its agricultural legacy while also diversifying its economy. Manufacturing and industry became significant players, with automotive, steel, and machinery production taking root. The county also saw development in the transportation and retail sectors. Today, Williams County remains a vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas, boasting a strong agricultural base complemented by a variety of industries.

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

  • 1786: The Northwest Territory, including present-day Williams County, is established by the United States Congress.
  • 1803: Ohio becomes the 17th state in the union.
  • 1824: The area that would later become Williams County is surveyed by the federal government.
  • 1828: The first permanent settler, Jacob Backus, arrives in what is now Williams County.
  • 1831: The county is officially organized, with Williams Center serving as the county seat.
  • 1834: The first post office is established in Williams County.
  • 1846: The village of Montpelier is platted and becomes the new county seat.
  • 1848: The first courthouse is built in Montpelier.
  • 1851: The first railroad, the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad, is completed through Williams County.
  • 1875: The first oil well is drilled in Williams County, leading to a boom in the local oil industry.
  • 1881: The courthouse in Montpelier is destroyed by fire, but a new courthouse is quickly built in its place.
  • 1920: The Williams County Fair is established and continues to be a popular annual event.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Williams County, but the construction of the Ohio Turnpike in the 1950s helps to revitalize the local economy.
  • 2004: The Williams County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the history of the county.
  • 2019: Williams County celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years since its founding.