Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
405 Jefferson Street, Bedford, Iowa
( Memorial is on Jefferson Street east of Court Avenue, on the left when traveling east.)

  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 first American casualty of World War I was a sailor from Iowa named Merle Hay. He was killed when the German submarine U-58 torpedoed the USS Jacob Jones on December 6, 1917.
Iowa random facts
Taylor County, located in southwest Iowa, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ioway and Sac and Fox nations. However, with the passage of the Indian Removal Act in the 1830s, these tribes were forcibly relocated, paving the way for European settlement.

In the mid-1800s, settlers from states like Indiana and Ohio started migrating to the area, drawn by the fertile land and the promise of opportunity. The county was officially established in 1847 and named in honor of General Zachary Taylor, who would later become the twelfth President of the United States.

The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, their perseverance and determination helped the county's population grow steadily. Agriculture played a key role in the county's development, with crops like corn and wheat dominating the region's farmland.

As the county evolved, so did its communities. Bedford, the county seat, was platted in 1851 and eventually became a hub for commerce and trade. Over the years, the county also saw the development of small towns such as Lenox, Gravity, and New Market, each with their own unique history and contributions to the county's growth.

Today, Taylor County reflects its agricultural roots while embracing modern progress. Visitors can explore historical sites, such as the Taylor County Historical Museum, which preserves the county's heritage through exhibits and artifacts. With a strong sense of community and a tribute to its past, Taylor County continues to shape its future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Taylor County, Iowa.

  • 1852: Taylor County was established by the Iowa General Assembly.
  • 1853: Bedford was chosen as the county seat.
  • 1855: The county's population grew rapidly due to the arrival of settlers from the eastern United States.
  • 1858: The first courthouse was completed in Bedford.
  • 1870: The county experienced a boom with the construction of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
  • 1881: The second courthouse was built in Bedford after the first one was deemed inadequate.
  • 1914: A new courthouse was constructed, replacing the previous one built in 1881.
  • 1920s: Taylor County faced challenges during the Great Depression, resulting in a decline in population and economic activities.
  • 1960s: The county saw a resurgence in population and economic growth.
  • 1993: The current courthouse in Bedford was constructed, replacing the one built in 1914.