Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Racine, Wisconsin
( Memorial is on Main Street (State Highway 32) north of 6th Street (State Highway 32), on the left when traveling north.)
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.

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Wisconsin random facts
Racine County, located in southeastern Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk peoples who utilized the land for hunting and farming. European exploration of the region began in the late 17th century when French traders arrived in search of furs.

The county's history took a significant turn in the early 19th century with the arrival of settlers from the east. Industry quickly took root as lakefront villages like Racine and Burlington grew into thriving manufacturing centers, fueled by abundant natural resources and access to waterways. Agriculture also played a crucial role, with the fertile soil supporting a strong farming community.

In 1834, Racine County was officially established, named after the French word for "root" due to the area's fertile soil. The county's growth skyrocketed with the advent of the railroad in the mid-19th century, connecting Racine County to larger markets and attracting more industries. Innovation and entrepreneurial spirit flourished, and Racine County became known for producing diverse goods, including furniture, woolen goods, and machinery.

Throughout the 20th century, Racine County continued to evolve. It experienced ups and downs with economic recessions and industrial shifts. The county's manufacturing sector remained vital, but diversified into new industries such as automotive parts, food processing, and healthcare. Today, Racine County is a vibrant community with a strong economy, diverse cultural heritage, and a commitment to growth and sustainability. It boasts a rich history that continues to shape its present and future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Racine County, Wisconsin.

  • 1834 - Racine County is officially established and organized
  • 1837 - The City of Racine is incorporated
  • 1848 - The Racine County Courthouse is constructed
  • 1852 - The Racine and Mississippi Railroad connects Racine to the Mississippi River
  • 1854 - The first public school opens in Racine County
  • 1860 - The Village of Burlington becomes the county seat
  • 1878 - The first public library opens in Racine
  • 1880 - The first electric streetcars begin operating in Racine
  • 1913 - The Racine County Infirmary (Racine Manor Nursing Home) is established
  • 1942 - The Belle City Malleable Iron Company (later known as J.I. Case) opens in Racine
  • 1959 - The Racine County Historical Society is founded
  • 1973 - Racine County's first landfill opens in Caledonia
  • 1999 - Racine County's first casino, the Potawatomi Bingo Casino, opens