Historical Marker

East Germantown Civil War Band

Historical marker location:
East Germantown, Indiana
( Marker is at the intersection of Old National Road (U.S. 40) and Milton Street, on the right when traveling west on Old National Road.)
Marker installed: 1978

  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.

The first long-distance auto race in the United States was held in Indiana in 1911. The race, called the Indianapolis 500, is still held annually and is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Indiana random facts
Wayne County, Indiana, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1811. The county was named after General Anthony Wayne, a renowned American Revolutionary War hero. The area was originally occupied by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Lenape, who were gradually displaced as European settlers arrived.

The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, attracted by the fertile lands and abundant natural resources. Richmond, now the county seat and largest city, was laid out in 1806 and quickly became a bustling center of commerce and industry. The construction of the Whitewater Canal in the 1840s further stimulated economic growth, facilitating transportation and trade.

During the turbulent years leading up to the American Civil War, Wayne County was a hotbed of abolitionist sentiment, with many residents actively involved in the Underground Railroad. The Levi and Catherine Coffin Home, now a National Historic Landmark, served as a safe haven for escaped slaves. Notable figures like Levi Coffin and his wife, "The President of the Underground Railroad," played significant roles in helping slaves on their journey to freedom.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wayne County experienced industrial expansion, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The automobile industry had a significant presence, with companies like Wayne Works and Westcott Motor Car Company operating in the area. Today, Wayne County continues to thrive as a center for manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism, while preserving its proud history through numerous historic sites and landmarks.

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

  • 1796 - Wayne County established as a county in the Northwest Territory
  • 1803 - First courthouse built in Centerville, becoming county seat
  • 1811 - Native American presence in the area diminished after the Battle of Tippecanoe
  • 1814 - Pioneers began settling in the county
  • 1818 - Richmond, now the largest city in the county, founded
  • 1840s - Rapid growth and industrialization in Richmond
  • 1863 - Largely affected by the American Civil War
  • 1873 - "The Great Fire" destroys a significant portion of downtown Richmond
  • 1890s - Boom in manufacturing, specifically in the automobile and furniture industries
  • 20th Century - Continued growth and expansion of Richmond and other communities in Wayne County