Historical Marker

First Memorial Service to Civil War Veterans

Historical marker location:
405 E Main St, Carbondale, Illinois
( Marker can be reached from East Main Street (Illinois Route 13) east of South Logan Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1949

  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 Chicago River was famously dyed green for the first time in 1962 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The tradition has continued every year since then, and now the river is dyed green for the holiday using an eco-friendly vegetable dye.
Illinois random facts
Jackson County, Illinois has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mississippian Culture, which flourished from approximately 800 to 1500 AD. These Native American groups left behind a legacy of impressive earthworks and artifacts.

European explorers arrived in the region in the early 18th century, with French traders and explorers mapping and trading in the area. However, it wasn't until the early 1800s that permanent settlements began to take root in what is now Jackson County. The region was named after President Andrew Jackson, who was a highly influential figure of the era.

The 19th century brought significant growth to Jackson County, with the establishment of towns and infrastructure. The Illinois Central Railroad arrived in the county in the 1850s, connecting it to larger cities like Chicago and facilitating economic growth. This transportation network also played a crucial role in the county's significant agricultural development.

During the Civil War, Jackson County saw its share of conflict. While the county remained largely pro-Union, there were instances of skirmishes and even the presence of Confederate forces. After the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and rebuilding.

In more recent times, Jackson County has continued to develop and diversify its economy. The Southern Illinois University, Carbondale campus was established in the county in the late 19th century, bringing with it educational and employment opportunities. Today, the county is known for its strong educational institutions, vibrant arts and culture scene, and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a diverse and dynamic community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jackson County, Illinois.

  • 1813 - Jackson County is established by the Illinois Territorial Legislature.
  • 1818 - Illinois becomes a state, and Jackson County is officially recognized as part of the state.
  • 1839 - The Illinois Central Railroad is chartered and begins construction through Jackson County.
  • 1855 - The town of Carbondale is founded as the county seat of Jackson County.
  • 1862 - Southern Illinois University is established in Carbondale.
  • 1873 - Murphysboro becomes the second largest city in Jackson County.
  • 1893 - The Tri-State Tornado, one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, strikes Jackson County.
  • 1924 - The Kincaid Mounds, an archaeological site in Jackson County, is designated as a State Historic Site.
  • 1942 - Camp Delta, a German prisoner of war camp, is established in Jackson County during World War II.
  • 1993 - The Shawnee National Forest expands to include parts of Jackson County.