Historical Marker

Union Soldier - Winnebago County Civil War Veterans Memorial

Historical marker location:
Forest City, Iowa
( Memorial is at the intersection of S Clark Street and E J Street on S Clark Street.)

  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.
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
Winnebago County is located in northern Iowa and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Winnebago (also known as Ho-Chunk) tribe, who gave the county its name. European settlers began arriving in the 1850s, and the county was officially established in 1857.

The early years of Winnebago County were marked by agricultural development, as settlers cleared the land for farming and established small towns throughout the area. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled growth and economic prosperity, as it provided a means of transportation for goods and people.

During the early 20th century, Winnebago County experienced both triumphs and challenges. The county saw advancements in education, health care, and infrastructure, with the establishment of schools, hospitals, and modern amenities. However, like many rural areas, it also faced the challenges of economic fluctuations and the Great Depression.

In more recent years, Winnebago County has continued to thrive as an agricultural community, with farming being the primary industry. The county has also seen growth in other sectors, such as manufacturing and healthcare. Today, Winnebago County is known for its friendly communities, natural beauty, and strong sense of community spirit.

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

  • 1848- Winnebago County is established
  • 1856- First settlers arrive in the county
  • 1860- The county's first post office is established
  • 1861- Winnebago County is officially organized
  • 1862- The county's first courthouse is built
  • 1871- The city of Forest City is founded
  • 1891- The county's first railroad, the Iowa and Dakota Railway, is completed
  • 1900- The population of Winnebago County reaches its peak at over 12,000 residents
  • 1933- The Great Depression hits Winnebago County hard, causing economic decline
  • 1982- Winnebago Industries, a major RV manufacturer, is founded in Forest City
  • 2008- Winnebago County celebrates its 160th anniversary