Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
101 South Main Street, Sigourney, Iowa
( Memorial is on Jefferson Street south of Washington Street, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1929

  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.
In 1917, a German submarine sank the SS Housatonic, a U.S. freighter carrying food and supplies to Europe during World War I, off the coast of South Carolina. Among the crew members who went down with the ship was an Iowa native named Herbert C. Jones, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the sinking.
Iowa random facts
Keokuk County in Iowa has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1843. It is named after the Sauk leader Chief Keokuk, who played a significant role in the history of the region. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Fox and Sac tribes, who were displaced by white settlers during the westward expansion.

The county's early economy was heavily reliant on agriculture, with the fertile soil and favorable climate making it an ideal location for farming. As more settlers arrived, towns and communities began to develop, providing services and infrastructure to support the growing population. The county's central location in Iowa also made it a transportation hub, with the construction of railways in the late 19th century further boosting its economic growth.

Keokuk County played a role in the Civil War, contributing soldiers to the Union Army. The county also experienced significant growth during this period, with many European immigrants arriving to settle in the area. The influx of immigrants diversified the county's population and brought new cultural influences to the region.

In the 20th century, Keokuk County went through various economic shifts. Agriculture remained a key industry, but the rise of mechanization and technological advancements led to a decline in rural farm populations. The county's towns and cities adapted to these changes, with manufacturing and service industries becoming more prominent.

Today, Keokuk County is home to a resilient and closely-knit community. The county's historical sites, such as the Chief Keokuk Monument, preserve the area's rich heritage. Agriculture continues to be an important industry, and efforts to diversify the county's economy to include tourism, renewable energy, and small businesses are ongoing, ensuring a prosperous future for Keokuk County.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Keokuk County, Iowa.

  • 1843 - Keokuk County is established.
  • 1851 - Sigourney is designated as the county seat.
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture becomes a dominant industry in the county.
  • 1915 - The Keokuk County Courthouse, a Neoclassical-style building, is completed.
  • Mid-1900s - The county experiences a decline in population due to changes in farming practices.
  • 1972 - The Keokuk County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote local history.
  • 1997 - The Native Prairies Association of Texas establishes the Briney Prairie Preserve, a significant conservation area.