Historical Marker

Civil War - Unknown Dead Monument

Historical marker location:
2201 Sacramento St, Vallejo, California
( Memorial can be reached from the intersection of Sacramento Street and Valle Vista Avenue, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1898

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of California.
California was once a part of Mexico before it became a U.S. state. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 and California became a Mexican territory. However, in 1846, the U.S. declared war on Mexico and after a brief conflict, California was ceded to the U.S. as a part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
California random facts
Solano County, located in Northern California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Patwin tribe, who were skilled hunter-gatherers and practiced a variety of agricultural techniques. The Spanish exploration of California in the late 18th century brought significant changes to the region.

In 1823, General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo was granted large tracts of land in present-day Solano County by the Spanish government. He established the Pueblo of Sonoma and the Mission San Francisco Solano, which marked the northernmost outpost of Spain's colonization efforts.

The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought a wave of settlers to the region. The discovery of gold in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains led to a population boom and the rapid development of towns and transportation routes, including the construction of the California Pacific Railroad. The influx of people also sparked conflicts between the settlers and the Native American tribes, leading to the displacement and marginalization of the indigenous population.

Solano County was officially established in 1850, becoming one of California's original 27 counties. Its county seat, Fairfield, was named after Fairfield, Connecticut. The county's economy diversified, with agriculture taking center stage. Fertile soil and a Mediterranean climate made it ideal for growing crops like fruits, vegetables, and grains. The establishment of Mare Island Naval Shipyard in 1854 also brought employment opportunities and boosted the local economy.

Today, Solano County is a thriving region with a diverse population and a strong agricultural sector. It is known for its central location between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, as well as its beautiful natural landscapes and historical landmarks.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Solano County, California.

  • 1823: Francisco Solano is born in San Jose de Guadalupe
  • 1835: Francisco Solano becomes a Mexican Army officer
  • 1843: Francisco Solano settles in Sonoma
  • 1846: Bear Flag Revolt takes place in Sonoma
  • 1847: California is seized by American forces
  • 1850: Solano County is established and named after Francisco Solano
  • 1851: The city of Benicia becomes the county seat
  • 1868: The county seat is moved from Benicia to Fairfield
  • 1968: The county's boundaries are adjusted to their current configuration
  • Present: Solano County is home to over 440,000 residents