Soldier of The American Revolution

Historical marker location:
Clinton, Wisconsin
( Marker is on Bradford Clinton Townline Road, ½ mile east of O'Riley Road, on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2005

  A brief timeline of the American Revolution
  • 1765: The Stamp Act is passed by the British Parliament, imposing a tax on American colonists for various printed materials. This sparks widespread protests and resistance among the colonists.

  • 1770: The Boston Massacre occurs when British soldiers fire on a crowd of American colonists in Boston, resulting in the death of five colonists. The event further escalates tensions between the colonists and British authorities.

  • 1773: The Boston Tea Party takes place as colonists, disguised as Native Americans, dump tea from British East India Company ships into Boston Harbor in protest against the Tea Act.

  • 1774: The First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies gather to discuss grievances against British policies and plan a united response.

  • 1775: The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of armed conflict between British troops and American colonial militia. The "shot heard 'round the world" ignites the Revolutionary War.

  • 1776: On July 4, the Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The document asserts the colonies' independence from Britain and outlines the principles of individual rights and self-government.

  • 1777: The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in New York proves to be a turning point in the war. It convinces the French to openly support the American cause and enter the war as allies.

  • 1778: The Treaty of Alliance is signed between the United States and France, formalizing their military alliance. France provides crucial support to the American forces, including troops, naval assistance, and financial aid.

  • 1781: The Siege of Yorktown takes place in Virginia, where combined American and French forces, led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, successfully trap British General Cornwallis and his troops. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, effectively ending major hostilities in the Revolutionary War.

  • 1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. Great Britain recognizes the independence of the United States and establishes its boundaries. The treaty also grants fishing rights to American fishermen in the waters off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

  • 1787: The Constitutional Convention convenes in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation, which proved ineffective in governing the newly independent nation.

  • 1788: The United States Constitution is ratified by the required number of states and goes into effect. It establishes a strong federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.

  • 1789: George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States, and the new federal government is established in New York City.

This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the American Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous other battles, diplomatic negotiations, and developments that occurred during this period.

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The world's largest music festival, Summerfest, takes place in Milwaukee each year. It has been held annually since 1968 and features over 800 acts performing on 11 stages over 11 days.
Rock County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area that is now Rock County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk Nation, who inhabited the land for centuries. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, drawn by the fertile land, abundant water resources, and potential for trade.

The first European settlement in Rock County was established in 1835 by William Holmes, who built a log cabin near the present-day city of Beloit. The area quickly attracted more settlers, and by 1836, Rock County was formed and named after the Rock River that flows through it. The discovery of lead in the region in the 1820s brought an influx of miners, leading to the growth of towns like Mineral Point and Shullsburg.

The mid-19th century saw the establishment and growth of several towns in Rock County, including Janesville and Evansville. Janesville, in particular, flourished as a trading center and transportation hub, thanks to its location on the Rock River and the construction of a railroad in the 1850s. By the late 1800s, Janesville had become an industrial center with mills, foundries, and factories producing a wide range of goods.

The 20th century brought both challenges and opportunities to Rock County. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the area hard, but the county rebounded during World War II, when manufacturing industries expanded to support the war effort. After the war, Rock County experienced further industrial growth, especially in the automotive and farm equipment sectors. However, the late 20th century brought challenges as some industries faced decline and job losses.

Today, Rock County continues to evolve and adapt. The county is known for its agricultural heritage and is home to many family farms. It also boasts a diverse economy, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through various museums, historic sites, and community events, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the people who have called Rock County home throughout its history.

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

  • 1836 - Rock County is organized and established as a county in the Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1844 - The city of Janesville is incorporated as the county seat of Rock County.
  • 1854 - The Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad reaches Janesville, spurring economic growth in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Rock County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many joining Union forces.
  • 1873 - The Janesville Electric Company is established, providing electric power to the city.
  • 1900 - The automobile industry begins to flourish in Rock County, with several car manufacturers setting up operations.
  • 1936 - The Rock County Airport (now Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport) is established near Janesville.
  • 1942 - General Motors builds a large manufacturing plant in Janesville, becoming a major employer in the county for decades.
  • 1964 - Rock County experiences a devastating tornado outbreak, causing significant damage to several communities.
  • 2008 - General Motors announces the closure of its Janesville plant, leading to a significant economic impact on the county.