Historical Marker

McHenry County Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Woodstock, Illinois
( Memorial is at the intersection of South Benton Street and East Jackson Street, on the left when traveling north on South Benton Street.)
Marker installed: 1909

  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 once so polluted that it caught on fire several times in the mid-20th century. The river was so polluted with chemicals and sewage that it was almost devoid of life. Today, the river has been cleaned up and is a popular spot for recreational activities like kayaking and boat tours.
Illinois random facts
McHenry County, located in northeastern Illinois, has a rich history dating back centuries. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Fox nations. In the early 1800s, European settlers began arriving, drawn to the region's fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1836, McHenry County was officially established, named after Major William McHenry, a prominent figure in the Black Hawk War. The county experienced rapid growth during the mid-19th century, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s. Towns like McHenry, Crystal Lake, and Woodstock flourished as agricultural centers, with farming and dairy industries becoming the backbone of the local economy.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McHenry County saw further development and diversification. Manufacturing industries, such as the McHenry Wagon Works and the Star Manufacturing Company, brought economic growth and employment opportunities. The county's population continued to increase, with immigrants from Germany, Poland, and other European countries settling in the area.

In the latter half of the 20th century, McHenry County experienced significant suburbanization. As nearby cities like Chicago expanded, the county became a popular residential area for those seeking a suburban lifestyle. Today, McHenry County is known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving communities, and a mix of urban and rural areas. The county's history is celebrated through its many museums, historical societies, and preservation efforts to honor its past while embracing a vibrant future.

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

  • 1834 - McHenry County was established on January 16, 1834.
  • 1836 - The first permanent settlement, located in Grafton Township, was established by European-American pioneers.
  • 1841 - The county seat was established in McHenry City.
  • 1843 - The first courthouse was built in McHenry City.
  • 1844 - McHenry County's first newspaper, the "McHenry County Patriot," was established in Woodstock.
  • 1872 - The present McHenry County courthouse, located in Woodstock, was completed.
  • 1940s - The county experienced significant growth and development due to the construction of several defense plants during World War II.
  • 1950s - The population of McHenry County began to rapidly increase as suburbanization from Chicago reached the area.
  • 1960 - The City of Crystal Lake, the largest city in the county, was officially incorporated.
  • 1974 - Moraine Hills State Park, located in the southeastern part of the county, was established.
  • 1990s - McHenry County became one of the fastest-growing counties in Illinois, experiencing substantial urbanization and development.
  • 2012 - The McHenry County Conservation District celebrated its 50th anniversary.