Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial Cannon

Historical marker location:
Bloomington, Indiana
( Marker is on Walnut Street north of West Kirkwood Avenue, on the left when traveling north.)
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.

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
Monroe County, Indiana has a rich history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Delaware and Miami. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, with the establishment of Fort Vincennes. However, it wasn't until the early 1800s that Monroe County was officially formed and named after President James Monroe.

During the 19th century, Monroe County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s improved transportation and facilitated the expansion of industries such as limestone quarrying and agriculture. Bloomington, the county seat, became a hub for education with the establishment of Indiana University in 1820. The university's growth influenced the cultural and intellectual enrichment of the region.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a variety of changes in Monroe County. The county's economy diversified with the establishment of factories and industries, including the Showers Brother Furniture Company and RCA. The county also saw its fair share of historical events, including the establishment of Camp Atterbury during World War II, where thousands of soldiers were trained.

In recent decades, Monroe County has become a vibrant and thriving community. The presence of Indiana University continues to shape the county's demographic and cultural landscape. The city of Bloomington, known for its arts, music, and vibrant downtown scene, offers a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities. Today, Monroe County is known for its scenic beauty, diverse communities, and a commitment to education and innovation.

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

  • 1816 - Monroe County is established as part of the newly admitted state of Indiana.
  • 1820 - The first county courthouse is built in Bloomington, the county seat.
  • 1824 - Indiana University is established in Bloomington.
  • 1830 - The county population reaches over 6,000 residents.
  • 1854 - The Bloomington and Bedford Railroad is completed, connecting Monroe County to other parts of Indiana.
  • 1884 - The iconic Monroe County Courthouse, designed by architect Brentwood S. Tolan, is completed.
  • 1904 - The Indiana University School of Music is established, later renamed the Jacobs School of Music.
  • 1920 - Lake Monroe, the largest lake in Indiana, is created with the construction of the Monroe Dam.
  • 1969 - Monroe County becomes the site of significant anti-war protests during the Vietnam War.
  • 1994 - The Indiana University Cyclotron Facility, a particle accelerator used for scientific research, is opened.
  • 2006 - The Monroe County Convention Center is completed in downtown Bloomington.
  • 2019 - Monroe County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.