Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
900 South Batavia Avenue, Batavia, Illinois
( Memorial is at the intersection of Batavia Avenue (Illinois Route 31) and Morton Street, on the right when traveling north on Batavia Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1918

  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 Illinois.
Illinois was the first state in the country to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. The amendment was ratified by Illinois on February 1, 1865, before it was ratified by any other state.
Illinois random facts
Kane County, Illinois has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Fox nations, prior to European settlement. European explorers first came to the area in the 17th century, with French traders establishing relations with the native tribes.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in Kane County, seeking new opportunities and fertile land. The first permanent settlement was established in 1834 by Joseph McCarthy, who built a log cabin in present-day St. Charles. Over the next few decades, more settlers arrived and the population grew steadily.

Kane County officially became a county in 1836, carved out of neighboring LaSalle County. It was named after Elias Kane, a United States Senator from Illinois. The county experienced rapid growth in the mid-19th century, thanks to its proximity to Chicago and the development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and canals.

The 20th century brought further expansion and industrialization to Kane County. Agriculture remained important to the economy, with corn and soybeans as major crops. The county also became a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the cities of Aurora and Elgin. Today, Kane County is a diverse and vibrant community, known for its beautiful natural landscapes, historic downtown areas, and strong sense of community.

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

  • 1836 - Kane County is officially established on January 16.
  • 1837 - The first settlement in Kane County is established in Geneva.
  • 1838 - The first courthouse is built in St. Charles.
  • 1839 - The first newspaper, the Aurora Beacon, is published in Aurora.
  • 1841 - The first railroad reaches Kane County, connecting Chicago and Elgin.
  • 1844 - The town of Elgin is officially incorporated.
  • 1850 - The county population reaches over 16,000.
  • 1851 - The first public high school in Illinois is established in Elgin.
  • 1855 - The Elgin Watch Company is founded.
  • 1862 - The American Civil War begins, and many residents of Kane County enlist in the Union Army.
  • 1869 - The Illinois State Mental Hospital (now Elgin Mental Health Center) opens in Elgin.
  • 1872 - The Chicago and North Western Railway connects Elgin to Chicago.
  • 1900 - The county population reaches over 56,000.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression affects the county's economy, causing hardship for many residents.
  • 1943 - The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) is established near Batavia.
  • 1956 - The Kane County Fair begins its annual tradition in St. Charles.
  • 1970 - The county population exceeds 250,000.
  • 1992 - The Chicago Premium Outlets open in Aurora, boosting the local economy.
  • 2007 - The Kane County Cougars win their first Midwest League Championship.