Historical Marker

Town of Rhine Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Rhine, Wisconsin
( Memorial is at the intersection of Rhine Road and County Route FF, on the left when traveling south on Rhine Road.)
Marker installed: 1868

  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 state's name is derived from the Wisconsin River, which was named by the French traders and explorers who arrived in the area in the 17th century. The river's name is believed to come from the Ojibwe word "meskonsing," which means "it lies red" or "red stone place."
Wisconsin random facts
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ojibwe, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods.

European settlement in the area began in the early 19th century when fur traders and explorers arrived, including the famous French explorer Jean Nicolet. The first permanent settlers arrived in the 1830s, with the community of Sheboygan Falls being established in 1836. The early settlers primarily engaged in logging and farming, taking advantage of the fertile land and dense forests in the area.

The 19th century brought significant growth and development to Sheboygan County. The construction of railroads in the 1850s and 1860s greatly improved transportation and facilitated the movement of goods and people. The establishment of industries such as ironworks, flour mills, and pottery works further spurred economic growth. Sheboygan, the county seat, became a thriving industrial hub known for manufacturing furniture, shoes, and clothing.

In the 20th century, Sheboygan County continued to thrive as a manufacturing center. The establishment of the Sheboygan Chair Company in the early 1900s cemented the region's reputation as the "Furniture Capital of the World." The mid-century saw a shift in the county's economic focus towards the automotive and electronics industries. Today, Sheboygan County remains a vibrant and diverse community with a strong economy, while still preserving its rich history and natural beauty.

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

  • 1836: Sheboygan County is established as a separate county in Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1846: The city of Sheboygan is incorporated as a village.
  • 1853: Sheboygan becomes a city.
  • 1872: The Sheboygan County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1890: Sheboygan Harbor is expanded to accommodate larger ships.
  • 1907: The Sheboygan County Fair is first held.
  • 1929: The Great Depression begins, causing significant economic hardship in the county.
  • 1954: The Whistling Straits Golf Course is established.
  • 1964: The Kohler Company begins production of its popular bathroom fixtures in the county.
  • 1995: The John Michael Kohler Arts Center opens in Sheboygan.
  • 2000: The population of Sheboygan County reaches over 115,000.