Historical Marker

Winterset Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Winterset, Iowa
( Memorial is on East Court Avenue, 0.1 miles north of North Second Street, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1867

  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.

Iowa is known for its agricultural production, but did you know that it was once a major producer of coal? In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Iowa had more than 200 coal mines, and coal was the state's leading industry.
Iowa random facts
Madison County, Iowa, has a rich history rooted in early settlement and development. The area was originally inhabited by Native American groups such as the Ioway, Sauk, and Meskwaki tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1840s, drawn to the fertile land and potential for farming. The county was officially established on January 13, 1846, and named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States.

During the mid-1800s, Madison County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad in the 1850s further stimulated economic growth, connecting the county to larger markets and facilitating trade and transportation. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy, with corn and livestock farming becoming dominant industries.

In the late 1800s, Madison County became known for its iconic covered bridges. Construction of these picturesque bridges began in the 1860s and continued until the early 1900s, with a peak of 19 bridges in the county. These covered bridges served as important transportation links, allowing farmers to cross rivers and streams even in inclement weather. Today, Madison County is famous for its covered bridges, and visitors from around the world come to appreciate their beauty and historical significance.

Throughout the 20th century, Madison County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Modernization and technological advancements decreased the agricultural workforce, leading to a shift towards more diverse industries and a growing emphasis on tourism. Today, Madison County is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its charming covered bridges, picturesque landscapes, and rich history, while also serving as a vibrant community for residents.

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

  • 1846 - Madison County is established and named after President James Madison.
  • 1851 - The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily from Kentucky and Indiana.
  • 1854 - The county seat is established in Winterset.
  • 1862 - The Winterset Public Library, the first library in town, is established.
  • 1876 - The Winterset National Bank, the first bank in town, is established.
  • 1879 - The construction of the Madison County Courthouse is completed.
  • 1883 - The Winterset Independent School District is established.
  • 1888 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad reaches Winterset, boosting economic growth.
  • 1913 - The Iowa State Park Commission acquires land for what will become Pammel State Park.
  • 1937 - Covered Bridges of Madison County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1969 - The Bridges of Madison County novel by Robert James Waller is published, popularizing the area.
  • 1995 - The Bridges of Madison County film adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep is released.
  • 2020 - Madison County celebrates its 175th anniversary.