Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
1400 Main Street, Great Bend, Kansas
( Memorial is at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street (U.S. 281), on the right when traveling east on Broadway.)
Marker installed: 1915

Lest We Forget

  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.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was born in Denison, Texas, but grew up in Abilene, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Barton County, located in central Kansas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Cheyenne, who relied on the fertile land for hunting and agriculture. European exploration of the region began in the 18th century, and in the early 19th century, the area became a part of the Santa Fe Trail, an important trading route between Missouri and Santa Fe.

The county's officially recognized history began in 1872, when it was established and named after Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. The county quickly developed as settlers arrived, attracted by its abundant natural resources and potential for farming. Agriculture, particularly wheat and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.

Barton County also played a significant role in the development of the oil and gas industry in Kansas. In 1914, the discovery of oil near the town of Great Bend led to an oil boom, attracting numerous oil companies and workers to the area. This led to the growth of towns and the establishment of oil refineries, making the county a major player in the oil industry.

The county's history also includes significant events such as the devastating tornado that hit Great Bend in 1915, causing widespread destruction. However, the community rallied together to rebuild and recover, demonstrating resilience and determination. Today, Barton County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, while preserving its historical heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Barton County, Kansas.

  • Barton County was established on February 26, 1867.
  • In 1872, the first settlement was established in the area that would become Great Bend, the county seat.
  • In the late 19th century, the county experienced a population boom due to the expansion of the railroad.
  • In 1918, Camp Funston was established in Barton County as a training facility during World War I.
  • In the 1930s, the county was heavily affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
  • In 1951, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area was designated as a National Natural Landmark.
  • In 1979, the county suffered significant damage from a tornado that struck Great Bend.
  • In recent years, Barton County has focused on promoting tourism and outdoor recreational activities.