Historical Marker

The Civil War in the Southwest

Historical marker location:
Colorado City, Colorado
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of State Highway 165 and CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).)

Colorado

  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 capital, Denver, was originally called "Denver City" when it was founded in 1858. It was named after James W. Denver, the governor of the Kansas Territory, and the city's founders hoped that he would help promote their new settlement. However, Governor Denver never actually visited the city.
Colorado random facts
Pueblo County, located in the state of Colorado, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was traditionally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ute, Comanche, and Apache. These tribes relied on the region's fertile land and the Arkansas River for hunting, gathering, and trading.

European exploration of the area began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in search of gold and other riches. Spanish colonization followed, and Pueblo County became part of New Spain. The region played a significant role in the development of trade routes, connecting Mexico with the northern territories.

In the mid-19th century, during the peak of the Colorado Gold Rush, Pueblo County experienced a surge in population as miners and prospectors flocked to the area. The city of Pueblo, which would later become the county seat, was officially established in 1870 and quickly grew into a bustling industrial hub.

The county's economy boomed with the arrival of diverse industries such as steel manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I), one of the largest steel mills in the country, was established in Pueblo in the late 19th century, becoming a major contributor to the county's growth and prosperity.

Today, Pueblo County is a vibrant community that celebrates its cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is home to various attractions, including the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. The county continues to thrive and adapt, balancing its rich past with a vision for the future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Pueblo County, Colorado.

  • 1842: The Bent's Fort trading post is established near present-day Pueblo, attracting fur trappers and traders.
  • 1846: The Mexican-American War leads to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which establishes the southern border of Colorado along the Arkansas River.
  • 1859: The Colorado Gold Rush brings an influx of settlers to the region, including Pueblo County.
  • 1861: Pueblo County is created as one of the original 17 counties of the Colorado Territory.
  • 1870: The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad reaches Pueblo, boosting the local economy and population growth.
  • 1886: The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) is established in Pueblo, becoming a major employer and influencing the county's development.
  • 1921: The Pueblo Steel Mill is constructed by CF&I, solidifying Pueblo as an industrial center.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Pueblo County hard, leading to economic hardships for many residents.
  • 1942: Pueblo Army Air Base is established, becoming one of the largest training sites for World War II pilots.
  • 1980s: The decline of the steel industry negatively impacts Pueblo County's economy.
  • 1993: The Pueblo Reservoir is completed, providing recreational opportunities and supporting water supply for the region.
  • 2001: Pueblo County becomes the first county in Colorado to impose a tax on retail marijuana sales.