Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Mondovi, Wisconsin
( Memorial is at the intersection of North Eau Claire Street (County Highway H) and Glen Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Eau Claire Street.)
Marker installed: 1914

  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 European to explore Wisconsin was Jean Nicolet, a French explorer who arrived in 1634. He was looking for a water route to Asia but instead encountered the Menominee Indians near Green Bay.
Wisconsin random facts
Buffalo County, WI is located in the western part of the state, along the border with Minnesota. Its history dates back thousands of years, as it has been inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota, Ho-Chunk, and Menominee. These tribes lived off the fertile land and abundant resources along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

European exploration of the area began in the late 17th century, with French fur traders encountering Native American populations. In the early 19th century, the United States government negotiated treaties with the tribes, leading to their forced removal from the area. This allowed for the influx of European settlers, who were primarily of German and Scandinavian descent. They established farms and small towns that thrived on agriculture, particularly wheat and dairy farming.

The county was officially established in 1853 and named after the plentiful buffalo herds that once roamed the area. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to Buffalo County. The county seat, Alma, quickly became a bustling town and a major hub for river commerce. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county saw steady economic growth due to its thriving agricultural industry and transportation infrastructure.

In recent years, Buffalo County has experienced changes in its economic landscape. With the decline of traditional family farms, the county has diversified its agricultural sector to include more specialty crops and organic farming. Additionally, there has been a focus on eco-tourism, with recreational opportunities along the Mississippi River attracting visitors. Today, Buffalo County is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant communities, offering a mix of tradition and modernity in the heart of the Midwest.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Buffalo County, Wisconsin.

  • 1836: Buffalo County is established as a governmental unit within the Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1849: The first permanent settlers arrive in the county.
  • 1854: The first post office is established in Buffalo City.
  • 1856: The county seat is established in Alma.
  • 1860: The population of the county is 5,533.
  • 1873: Wisconsin Legislature approves the establishment of the University of Wisconsin-Mondovi, which later becomes the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
  • 1889: Buffalo County Courthouse is completed in Alma.
  • 1924: Construction of Lock and Dam No. 4 begins on the Mississippi River.
  • 1971: The town of Maxville is submerged due to the completion of Lock and Dam No. 4.
  • 1994: Alma is designated as the "City of River Hills."