Historical Marker

Putnam County Civil War Honor Roll

Historical marker location:
Greencastle, Indiana
( Memorial is on South Cemetery Road (County Road 50 W) south of Veterans Memorial Highway.)
Marker installed: 1870

  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 famous composer Cole Porter was born in Peru, Indiana in 1891. Porter went on to write many popular songs and musicals, including "Anything Goes" and "Kiss Me, Kate."
Indiana random facts
Putnam County, Indiana has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was named after Israel Putnam, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Delaware tribes. Settlement by European Americans began in the early 1820s, and the county was formally established in 1822.

During the 19th century, Putnam County saw significant growth and development. It became a prominent agricultural region, with farming and livestock becoming the main economic activities. The arrival of railroads in the mid-1800s further boosted growth, connecting the county to larger markets for its agricultural produce and encouraging industrial development.

In addition to its agricultural and industrial growth, Putnam County also played a role in the Underground Railroad. Some residents were active in helping enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the northern states and Canada. Places like the Lincoln School and Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw University) were important centers of the anti-slavery movement in the county.

The 20th century brought further changes and advancements to Putnam County. The county's agricultural economy evolved, with farming practices becoming more mechanized. The manufacturing sector also expanded, with the establishment of factories and industries that produced goods ranging from automobiles to farm machinery. Today, Putnam County continues to thrive as a diverse community, blending its rich history with a dynamic present.

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

  • 1821 - Putnam County was established on January 7th.
  • 1831 - The county seat was relocated from Greencastle to Manhattan.
  • 1833 - The county seat was moved back to Greencastle.
  • 1861-1865 - Putnam County participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1875 - DePauw University was founded in Greencastle.
  • 1899 - The Cataract Falls State Reserve was established.
  • 20th Century - Putnam County experienced agricultural growth and development.
  • 1990s - The county saw a rise in population due to growth in the Indianapolis metropolitan area.