Historical Marker

Livingston County G. A. R. Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Pontiac, Illinois
( Marker can be reached from South Street Entrance east of South Locust Street, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1901

Our Missing Heroes

  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 televised presidential debate in history was held in Illinois in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. The debate was held at the studios of CBS in Chicago and was watched by an estimated 70 million people.
Illinois random facts
Livingston County, located in Illinois, has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo and Potawatomi, before European explorers arrived. In 1823, the county was officially established, named after Edward Livingston, a prominent American jurist and politician.

The early settlers of Livingston County were primarily farmers, drawn to the fertile soil and abundant prairies. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans being grown. The county also saw the rise of small communities, including Pontiac, which became the county seat in 1837.

One significant event in Livingston County's history was the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century. The construction of the Chicago and Alton Railroad in the 1850s brought new opportunities for transportation and commerce, leading to further economic growth. The railroad played a crucial role in the development of towns and industries within the county.

Livingston County also has a notable place in American automotive history. In 1937, the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors, named after the county's largest city, Pontiac, began producing automobiles in the area. The Pontiac brand became renowned for its sleek design and performance, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

Today, Livingston County maintains its strong agricultural foundation while also embracing modern industries and technologies. The county's rich history is celebrated through various festivals, museums, and landmarks, providing residents and visitors alike with a glimpse into the vibrant past of this Illinois county.

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

  • 1823 - Livingston County is established.
  • 1830 - The first settlers begin to arrive in the area.
  • 1835 - The county seat is established in the town of Pontiac.
  • 1854 - The Chicago and Mississippi Railroad is completed, connecting Livingston County to Chicago and other major cities.
  • 1871 - The Great Chicago Fire prompts an influx of settlers from Chicago to Livingston County.
  • 1878 - The Illinois State Reformatory, now known as the Pontiac Correctional Center, is opened in Pontiac.
  • 1919 - The International Route 66 is established, passing through Pontiac and bringing increased tourism to the county.
  • 1930s - Agriculture becomes the primary industry in Livingston County, with a focus on corn and soybean production.
  • 1944 - The Livingston County War Museum is established in Pontiac.
  • 1978 - The Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum is opened in Pontiac.
  • 2002 - The Dwight Correctional Center is opened in Dwight, providing employment opportunities for the county.
  • 2005 - The Pontiac Swinging Bridges are constructed, becoming a popular tourist attraction.