Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Washington, Illinois
( Memorial is at the intersection of Washington Square (Business U.S. 24) and North Main Street, in the median on Washington Square.)

  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.

Abraham Lincoln, one of the most famous presidents in U.S. history, spent much of his early political career in Illinois. He served in the Illinois state legislature and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois in 1846.
Illinois random facts
Tazewell County, Illinois has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo and Pottawatomie. European settlers began arriving in the early 1820s, with the first permanent settlement established in 1826. The county was officially organized in 1827 and named after Littleton Tazewell, a U.S. Senator from Virginia.

During the mid-19th century, Tazewell County experienced significant economic growth. The construction of the Illinois-Michigan Canal in the 1830s brought increased trade and commerce to the area. The county became a transportation hub, with major stagecoach routes passing through and the advent of railroad connections linking Tazewell County to larger cities like Chicago.

The agricultural industry played a crucial role in shaping the county's development. Tazewell County's fertile soil allowed farmers to produce abundant crops, particularly corn and soybeans. The introduction of advanced farming techniques further boosted agricultural productivity. In addition to farming, coal mining also became a significant industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Tazewell County has also been the birthplace of notable individuals and events in history. For instance, the town of Mackinaw in Tazewell County is famous for being the birthplace of the Mackinaw jacket, a rugged winter coat originally worn by fur traders. The county has also seen its share of political prominence, with influential figures like Adlai E. Stevenson II, former Governor of Illinois and Democratic nominee for President, having ties to the area.

Today, Tazewell County continues to thrive as a primarily rural region with a diverse mix of agricultural and industrial activities. Its rich history, economic growth, and connection to influential individuals make it an interesting and significant part of Illinois.

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

  • 1827 - Tazewell County established
  • 1830 - First settlers arrive in the county
  • 1831 - Pekin becomes the county seat
  • 1835 - Tazewell County's first courthouse built in Pekin
  • 1849 - Illinois River floods Pekin, causing extensive damage
  • 1850 - Population reaches over 17,000
  • 1856 - First railroad line reaches Tazewell County
  • 1877 - Pekin experiences a devastating fire
  • 1917-1918 - Tazewell County contributes to World War I efforts
  • 1930s - Great Depression results in economic challenges
  • 1940s - Tazewell County experiences growth with World War II industries
  • 1974 - East Peoria becomes a separate city from the unincorporated areas
  • 1990s - Tazewell County sees population growth and increased urbanization