Historical Marker

McCook Post No. 51 G.A.R. Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Iola, Kansas
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 Kansas.
The famous novel "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote is based on a true story that took place in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959.
Kansas random facts
Allen County, located in Kansas, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. Prehistoric Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kansa, were the first inhabitants of the region. These tribes relied on hunting, gathering, and agriculture to sustain their communities.

The European settlement of Allen County began in the mid-19th century when French fur trappers and traders established trading posts in the area. The La Harpe and Neosho River valleys were particularly attractive to settlers due to the fertile soil and natural resources. Allen County was officially organized in 1855 and named after Colonel William Allen, a prominent politician and attorney.

During the Civil War, Allen County was divided in its loyalty, with some residents siding with the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The region experienced skirmishes and raids by Confederate bushwhackers, leading to instability and tension. After the war, agriculture became the primary economic activity in Allen County, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Allen County underwent significant changes due to industrialization and modernization. The arrival of railroads connected the county to larger markets and facilitated the growth of industries such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Coal mining became a major industry, attracting immigrants from various parts of Europe to work in the mines. The town of Iola, the county seat, became an important center of commerce and industry.

Today, Allen County continues to be a thriving community with a diverse economy and a strong sense of history. It preserves its heritage through various historical sites and museums, reflecting the challenging and evolving history of the region.

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

  • 1855: Allen County, KS is established as a county in the Territory of Kansas.
  • 1861: The first post office in Allen County is established.
  • 1863: The first railroad is built in Allen County, contributing to its growth and development.
  • 1864: Allen County becomes a part of the newly formed state of Kansas.
  • 1870: The town of Iola is surveyed and platted, becoming the county seat of Allen County.
  • 1871: The county's first newspaper, the Iola Register, is founded.
  • 1893: The Allen County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is completed.
  • 1902: The first oil well is drilled in Allen County, leading to the growth of the oil industry in the region.
  • 1919: The Emerson Big Inch Pipeline, an important oil pipeline, is constructed in Allen County.
  • 1931: The City of Humboldt is struck by a devastating tornado, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
  • 1943: The Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant is established in Allen County, contributing to the local economy during World War II.
  • 1966: The Allen County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2007: The Allen County War Memorial, honoring local veterans, is dedicated in Iola.