Historical Marker

The First Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Lancaster, Wisconsin
( Marker is at the intersection of South Madison Street (U.S. 61) and East Maple Street, on the left on South Madison Street.)
Marker installed: 1967

  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 University of Wisconsin-Madison is the oldest and largest public university in the state, and is often referred to as the "Harvard of the Midwest." It was founded in 1848, just two months after Wisconsin became a state.
Wisconsin random facts
Grant County, Wisconsin has a rich and varied history that dates back to Native American settlements thousands of years ago. The area was inhabited by several tribes, including the Ho-Chunk and Sioux, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their survival. European explorers, including French trappers and traders, arrived in the late 17th century, establishing a fur trading network that connected the region to the global economy.

In the 1820s, the US government began to forcibly remove Native American tribes from the area, opening up the land for settlement. Grant County was officially organized in 1836, named after President Ulysses S. Grant. The county quickly became a popular destination for immigrants, particularly European settlers, who were drawn to the region's fertile farmland.

The 19th century was a period of rapid growth and development for Grant County, as towns and trading posts sprouted up across the region. Platteville, one of the county's largest cities, became a center for lead mining and trading. The discovery of lead deposits in the area led to a mining boom, attracting thousands of settlers in search of opportunities and wealth.

Over time, Grant County transitioned from an economy based on mining and agriculture to a more diversified one. Today, the county is known for its thriving industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Scenic beauty, historical sites, and recreational opportunities also make Grant County a popular tourist destination. With a rich heritage and a vibrant present, Grant County continues to be an integral part of Wisconsin's history and economy.

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

  • 1836 - Grant County established
  • 1838 - First settlers arrived
  • 1839 - First post office established in Cassville
  • 1840 - Lancaster becomes the county seat
  • 1844 - First courthouse built in Lancaster
  • 1850 - Population reaches 12,000
  • 1861-1865 - American Civil War; many residents serve in the Union Army
  • 1869 - Completion of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad
  • 1874 - The first bridge across the Mississippi River finished
  • 1900 - Population peaks at around 42,000
  • 1930-1940 - Decrease in population due to the Great Depression and World War II
  • 1968 - Grant County Historical Society established
  • 1988 - The Twining Ford Bridge, a historic bridge, is added to the National Register of Historic Places