Historical Marker

Kosciusko County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Warsaw, Indiana
( Marker is at the intersection of Center Street and Buffalo Street, on the right when traveling west on Center Street.)
Marker installed: 1897

  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.
Indiana is the birthplace of the first black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but grew up in Indiana, where he attended high school and college.
Indiana random facts
Kosciusko County, located in northern Indiana, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Miami and Potawatomi. European settlement began in the early 1800s, with the arrival of fur traders and missionaries. The county was officially established in 1836 and named after Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a Polish general who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

In the mid-19th century, Kosciusko County experienced rapid growth due to the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This led to the establishment of several towns, including Warsaw, the county seat. The presence of the railroad not only brought economic opportunities but also facilitated the transportation of goods and people, further expanding the county's prosperity.

Agriculture played a significant role in the county's development, with farming becoming the backbone of the local economy. Farmers cultivated various crops, including corn, wheat, and soybeans. Local industries also emerged, such as furniture manufacturing and orthopedic device production, utilizing the county's abundant timber resources.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kosciusko County became known for its orthopedic industry. Numerous orthopedic manufacturers and hospitals were established, earning the county the nickname "Orthopedic Capital of the World." Today, the orthopedic industry still thrives in Kosciusko County, contributing to its economic stability and providing employment opportunities for residents. Additionally, the county's natural beauty and recreational amenities, including lakes and trails, have made it a popular tourist destination.

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

  • 1809: Kosciusko County is established by the legislative act of the Indiana Territory.
  • 1836: The county's first courthouse is built in Leesburg.
  • 1837: Warsaw is chosen as the county seat, leading to the decline of Leesburg as a major town.
  • 1854: The first railroad, the Northern Indiana Railroad, is completed in Kosciusko County, boosting transportation and economic development.
  • 1873: The county's current courthouse in Warsaw is completed.
  • 1880s: The county experiences rapid growth, with the population nearly doubling due to increased industrialization and agriculture.
  • 1913: The Dixie Highway, a major north-south route, is built through the county, further improving transportation infrastructure.
  • 1967: Lake Wawasee becomes Indiana's largest natural lake after the completion of a dam project.
  • 1990s: Kosciusko County becomes a hub for the orthopedic industry, earning the nickname "Orthopedic Capital of the World."