Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Central Park, Mason City, Iowa
( Memorial is on Federal Avenue south of 1st Street NW, on the right when traveling south.)

  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 Iowa.
During World War II, Iowa was home to several prisoner of war camps, where German soldiers were held captive. The largest of these camps was located in Algona, Iowa, and housed more than 10,000 prisoners at its peak.
Iowa random facts
Cerro Gordo County is located in northern Iowa and has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was originally occupied by Native American tribes, particularly the Winnebago, Sioux, and Ojibwe peoples, who utilized the natural resources and waterways for hunting and trade.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, attracted by the fertile land and prospects for farming. The county was officially established in 1851 and named after the Battle of Cerro Gordo in the Mexican-American War. The county seat was initially located in Mason City, which quickly grew into a bustling hub for trade and transportation.

The discovery of limestone and gypsum deposits in Cerro Gordo County in the late 19th century further accelerated its growth. The mining industry boomed, attracting a wave of immigrants, primarily from Europe, who sought work in the quarries. The extraction of these minerals not only transformed the landscape but also brought economic prosperity to the county.

Over the years, Cerro Gordo County continued to develop both agriculturally and industrially. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century facilitated the transportation of goods and accelerated commerce in the area. Today, the county remains a vital agricultural hub, with corn, soybeans, and livestock as its main industries. Additionally, tourism has flourished as visitors are drawn to the numerous recreational opportunities, historical sites, and cultural events that Cerro Gordo County offers.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.

  • 1851: Cerro Gordo County is organized
  • 1854: Mason City is established as the county seat
  • 1857: First courthouse is completed
  • 1858: First school in Mason City is built
  • 1861-1865: Cerro Gordo County participates in the American Civil War
  • 1866: First railroad reaches Mason City
  • 1868: Frank Lloyd Wright, famous architect, is born in Richland Center, WI
  • 1889: The Mason City Globe Gazette newspaper is established
  • 1912: Music Man Square is built and opened to the public
  • 1932: The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake is constructed
  • 1968: The Buddy Holly plane crash occurs near Clear Lake
  • 2008: Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City reopens after restoration