Historical Marker

Logan County's Civil War Dead

Historical marker location:
601-699 Broadway St, Lincoln, Illinois
( Memorial is at the intersection of Broadway Street and South Kickapoo Street, on the right when traveling east on Broadway 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 Illinois.
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
Logan County, Illinois has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Kickapoo and Shawnee. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive and establish communities in this region. The county was officially formed on February 15, 1839, and named after Dr. John Logan, a prominent physician and political figure.

One significant event in Logan County's history was the development of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Construction of the canal began in the 1830s and was completed in 1848. This waterway helped to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people throughout the region. It also contributed to the growth and prosperity of Logan County and the surrounding areas.

Another important milestone in Logan County's history was the arrival of the Chicago and Alton Railroad in the mid-1850s. This railroad provided a faster and more efficient means of transportation, which spurred further economic development in the county. Logan County became a key hub for trade and agriculture, with the railroad facilitating the transportation of products like grain and livestock.

Throughout the 20th century, Logan County experienced various changes and developments. The county's agricultural industry remained a vital part of its economy, with corn and soybean production being particularly prominent. Additionally, the county saw the growth of several towns and the establishment of educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

Overall, Logan County's history is marked by its early settlement, the development of transportation networks, and the growth of its agricultural economy. Today, the county continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a strong sense of its historical roots.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Logan County, Illinois.

  • 1824 - Logan County was established on February 15.
  • 1848 - The Illinois and Michigan Canal opened, providing a transportation route through the county.
  • 1853 - The city of Lincoln was incorporated on August 27, named after Abraham Lincoln.
  • 1855 - The Chicago & Alton Railroad reached Lincoln, improving transportation in the area.
  • 1865 - Abraham Lincoln's funeral train passed through Lincoln on May 3.
  • 1873 - The Lincoln College was founded.
  • 1903 - The Lincoln Developmental Center (formerly the Illinois Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children) was established.
  • 1954 - The William Maxwell Boyhood Home was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1965 - Lincoln Community High School was built.
  • 1991 - The Heritage In Flight Museum opened at the Logan County Airport.