Historical Marker

Civil War Veterans Memorial

Historical marker location:
Neenah, Wisconsin
( Marker is on Lakeshore Avenue, 0.2 miles north of Wheeler Street, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1932

  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.

Green Bay is the oldest continuously settled town in Wisconsin, dating back to the early 1600s.
Wisconsin random facts
Winnebago County, located in the state of Wisconsin, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Menominee people, who established settlements along the Fox River. European fur traders first arrived in the late 17th century, bringing trade and commerce to the region.

The county was officially created in 1846 and named after the native Winnebago tribe. The early settlers of Winnebago County were mainly of European descent, coming from various backgrounds such as German, Irish, and Scandinavian. They established farms and small communities along the fertile river valleys, taking advantage of the abundant natural resources.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Winnebago County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s accelerated economic growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and boosting industries such as lumber, agriculture, and manufacturing. Cities like Oshkosh and Neenah prospered, becoming centers of commerce and industry.

In the present day, Winnebago County remains an important economic and cultural hub in Wisconsin. It is home to a diverse population, including urban areas with thriving businesses and industries, as well as rural communities supported by farming and agriculture. The county boasts numerous parks, museums, and cultural attractions, preserving its rich heritage while embracing modern developments.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Winnebago County, Wisconsin.

  • 1812 - Winnebago County was established as "Quadrafoil County"
  • 1840 - The county's name was changed to Winnebago County
  • 1847 - Oshkosh, the county seat, was established
  • 1851 - The first courthouse was built in Oshkosh
  • 1861-1865 - Winnebago County residents served in the Union Army during the American Civil War
  • 1873 - The current Winnebago County Courthouse was constructed
  • 1934 - The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) was founded in Oshkosh
  • 1971 - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts, begins
  • 1992 - Oshkosh Corporation, a major global manufacturer, was founded
  • 2006 - The Fox River Valley became a National Heritage Area