Historical Marker

Johnson County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Franklin, Indiana
( Marker is at the intersection of Jefferson Street and North Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Jefferson Street.)
Marker installed: 1905

  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 public school system in the United States was established in Indiana in 1852. The state was also home to the first kindergarten in the United States, which was founded in 1873 by a German immigrant named Margarethe Schurz.
Indiana random facts
Johnson County, Indiana, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its early settlement in the early 19th century. The county was officially established on January 7, 1823, and was named after John Johnson, a judge who served in the Indiana territorial legislature.

The first settlers arrived in the area in the early 1820s, primarily consisting of pioneers from Kentucky and Tennessee. They were attracted to the fertile land and abundant natural resources, such as timber and waterways. The pioneers established several small communities, including Franklin, which eventually became the county seat.

The region quickly developed with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, which provided a means of transportation for goods and people. This led to a boom in population growth and economic development, with agriculture and manufacturing becoming the backbone of Johnson County's economy. The county became known for its agricultural products, including corn, wheat, soybeans, and livestock.

Johnson County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its residents volunteering to fight for the Union. The Battle of Stones River in 1862 saw numerous soldiers from the county engaged in the conflict. After the war, the county witnessed a period of reconstruction and growth, with new industries emerging and infrastructure projects, such as the construction of roads and schools, taking place.

Today, Johnson County is a thriving suburban area with a population of over 150,000 residents. It retains its agricultural roots while also diversifying its economy to include industries like healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The county offers a mix of rural and urban environments, with a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving its historical heritage.

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

  • 1822: Johnson County is established and named after U.S. Vice President Thomas Johnson.
  • 1823: The first permanent settlement, called Franklin, is established.
  • 1834: The county courthouse is constructed in Franklin.
  • 1861-1865: Johnson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1889: The Johnson County Museum is established in Franklin.
  • 1932: The Brown-Parker Funeral Home, later known as the Johnson County Museum of History, opens.
  • 1966: The Johnson County Park is created, offering recreational opportunities to residents.
  • 1971: The Johnson County Public Library is founded.
  • 2008: The Johnson County Community Foundation is established to support local philanthropy.
  • 2019: The population of Johnson County reaches over 155,000 residents.