Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Shenandoah, Iowa
( Memorial is at the intersection of Clarinda Avenue and Thomas Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Clarinda Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1917

1861 - 1865

  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.
Iowa is home to the world's largest strawberry, which is located in Strawberry Point. The 15-foot-tall fiberglass strawberry was erected in 1967 and has since become a beloved landmark in the community.
Iowa random facts
Page County, Iowa is a county steeped in rich history and heritage. It was originally established in 1841 and named after Captain John Page, a veteran of the War of 1812. The county was officially organized in 1851, and its first county seat was established in the town of Clarinda. However, due to its proximity to the Nodaway River, which often caused flooding, the county seat was moved to its current location in the town of Shenandoah in 1871.

During the mid-19th century, Page County, like many other areas in Iowa, experienced a growth in population and agricultural development. The rich and fertile soil in the area attracted settlers who engaged in farming, particularly livestock and grain production. The county also became an important center for milling and manufacturing, with numerous mills and factories popping up throughout the region.

Page County played a significant role during the Civil War, with many of its residents volunteering to fight for the Union side. The town of Clarinda served as a recruiting and training center for soldiers. In fact, Page County raised two companies that served in the famed Iowa 12th Infantry Regiment, which participated in several major battles including Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Atlanta.

In the 20th century, Page County saw both growth and challenges. The advent of railroads brought increased opportunities for trade and transportation, spurring economic development. However, like many rural areas, the county also faced challenges such as the Great Depression and the subsequent changes in agricultural practices. Today, Page County is a vibrant community that values its history while looking towards the future with a focus on education, healthcare, and agriculture.

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

  • 1833: The area that is now Page County was included in the Platte Purchase, land acquired by the United States from the Native American tribes.
  • 1841: The first recorded white settlers, William and Mariah Parker, arrived in what is now Page County.
  • 1843: The county was officially established on February 24, named after Captain John Page, a veteran of the War of 1812.
  • 1853: The town of Clarinda was founded and became the county seat.
  • 1869: The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad reached Clarinda, boosting the local economy.
  • 1878: The Friendship Home for African American orphans was established in Clarinda, becoming a nationally recognized institution.
  • 1890s: Page County experienced an agricultural boom, with farmers specializing in corn, wheat, hogs, and cattle.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hit Page County hard, leading to significant economic challenges.
  • 1942: The Clarinda Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison, was established in Clarinda.
  • 1980s: Page County began diversifying its economy, focusing on industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
  • 1992: Maryville, Missouri, experienced severe flooding, and residents of Maryville were evacuated to Clarinda.
  • 2008: The city of Shenandoah celebrated its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its founding.