Historical Marker

Steuben County Civil War Honor Rolls

Historical marker location:
Angola, Indiana
( Memorial is at the intersection of Wayne Street (Old U.S. 27) (County Road 127) and Maumee Street (U.S. 20), on the left on Wayne Street (Old U.S. 27).)
Marker installed: 1917

  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.

Indiana is a state of tranquility and peace.
John F. Kennedy in Address at Elkhart, Indiana, 25 October 1960
Steuben County, Indiana, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Miami and Potawatomi, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade. The arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century led to significant changes in the region.

In 1827, Steuben County was officially established and named after Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a Prussian military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. The county's first settlement, Jamestown, was later renamed Angola, which became the county seat. Early settlers cleared land for agriculture, established mills and other industries, and built schools and churches to develop their communities.

The arrival of the railroads in the mid-19th century brought further growth and economic prosperity to Steuben County. The county became a transportation hub, linking it to larger urban centers and facilitating trade. Industries such as lumber, agriculture, and manufacturing contributed to the county's economic development during this period.

Steuben County has also played an important role in American history. During the Civil War, many residents of the county enlisted in the Union Army, and the region saw the construction of several underground railroad routes to help escaped slaves seek freedom. Today, Steuben County continues to thrive, preserving its rich natural beauty while embracing modern development and offering a range of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1837: Steuben County is founded and named after Baron von Steuben, a Prussian military officer who served during the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1838: The county's first courthouse is constructed in the town of Angola.
  • 1840: The population of Steuben County reaches 1,933 residents.
  • 1853: The first railroad, the Michigan Southern Railroad, is completed in the county.
  • 1860: The population increases to 6,874 residents.
  • 1875: The Steuben County Fair is established and continues to be held annually.
  • 1883: The first telephone exchange is established in Angola.
  • 1896: The first automobile is seen in Steuben County.
  • 1905: The first electric service is provided in Angola.
  • 1926: The Pokagon State Park is established, becoming one of the county's prominent recreational areas.
  • 1944: Steuben County Airport is constructed, serving as a transportation hub for the region.
  • 1996: The Trine University Golf Course is established, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the area.
  • 2010: The population of Steuben County reaches 34,185 residents.