Historical Marker

Civil War Hospital

Historical marker location:
303 East Park Place, Jeffersonville, Indiana
( Marker is on East Park Place east of Crestview Court, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1962

  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 Indiana.
The first recorded train robbery in the United States took place in Indiana in 1866. A gang of thieves robbed the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis Railroad, making off with over $96,000 in cash and gold.
Indiana random facts
Clark County, Indiana is located in the southern part of the state and has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The county is named after George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero who captured British-held territory in the Northwest Territory. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Miami.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the late 18th century, establishing small farms and trading posts along the Ohio River. The county quickly grew in population and became an important transportation hub due to its strategic location. In the early 19th century, the town of Jeffersonville was established as the county seat, and it became a major center of commerce and industry.

Throughout its history, Clark County has been at the forefront of significant events in American history. During the Civil War, Jeffersonville was home to a major Union Army recruiting and training center, and the area played a crucial role in supplying troops and munitions. Additionally, the county was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, providing safe passage to escaped slaves seeking freedom in the North.

Over the years, Clark County has experienced both periods of economic prosperity and challenges. The construction of the Ohio River bridges in the early 20th century facilitated trade and transportation, leading to growth in industries such as manufacturing and shipping. However, like many industrial cities, the county also faced economic decline and population loss in the late 20th century. In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalize historic downtown areas and promote tourism.

Today, Clark County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of rural and urban areas. It is known for its natural beauty, including the Falls of the Ohio State Park, which features fossil beds and a scenic riverfront. The county also has a rich cultural heritage, with historic buildings, museums, and events that celebrate its past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clark County, Indiana.

  • 1783 - Clark County is founded as part of the Northwest Territory.
  • 1801 - Clark County becomes part of the Indiana Territory.
  • 1805 - The first permanent settlement, Charlestown, is established in Clark County.
  • 1809 - Clark County is officially organized and named after General George Rogers Clark.
  • 1812 - The county seat is established in Jeffersonville.
  • 1825 - The first railroad, the Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, reaches Clark County.
  • 1844 - Clark County becomes a major hub for steamboat traffic on the Ohio River.
  • 1863 - During the Civil War, Clark County experiences significant military activity due to its strategic location.
  • 1914-1918 - Clark County residents serve in World War I.
  • 1937 - The Great Flood devastates Clark County, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  • 1941-1945 - Clark County residents serve in World War II.
  • 1975 - Clark County is selected as the site for the new Ohio River bridge, connecting Indiana and Kentucky.
  • 1997 - The Falls of the Ohio State Park is established in Clark County, showcasing fossils and the natural history of the area.