Historical Marker

Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial

Historical marker location:
444 East 18th Street, Concordia, Kansas

  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.

Kansas is known as the "Wheat State" and is a major producer of wheat, as well as other crops like corn, soybeans, and sorghum.
Kansas random facts
Cloud County, Kansas is located in the central part of the state and has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kansa and Pawnee, who roamed the plains and utilized the land for hunting and gathering. The first European settler, Solomon Stephens, arrived in 1857 and established a trading post along the Republican River.

In 1866, Cloud County was officially established and named after Colonel William F. Cloud, a prominent Union officer during the American Civil War. The county seat, Concordia, was founded in 1871 and quickly became a thriving community due to its strategic location along the Kansas Pacific Railway. The arrival of the railroad brought an influx of settlers and facilitated the growth of agriculture and trade in the area.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cloud County experienced a period of rapid development. The county became known for its fertile farmland and agricultural production, with crops such as wheat, corn, and sorghum being major contributors to the local economy. The construction of new roads, schools, and businesses further enhanced the county's prosperity.

Throughout the 20th century, Cloud County faced various challenges, including the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. However, the community persevered, and the county continued to thrive. Today, Cloud County is a vibrant region with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare, and tourism. The county's rich history is celebrated through landmarks, museums, and festivals that showcase its past and highlight the resilience of its residents.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cloud County, Kansas.

  • Cloud County was established on February 27, 1860.
  • In 1867, the first settlement, Miltonvale, was founded in the county.
  • In 1869, the county seat was established in Concordia.
  • The Union Pacific Railroad reached Concordia in 1871.
  • In 1872, a destructive grasshopper swarm caused significant damage to crops in the county.
  • In 1879, the Sisters of St. Joseph established a hospital in Concordia.
  • The Concordia Chautauqua Assembly was organized in 1901.
  • In 1903, the Navy Department established a naval radio station in Concordia.
  • During World War II, the Concordia Army Airfield was constructed and used for flight training.
  • In 1958, the National Orphan Train Museum was established in Concordia.
  • In 1996, the Cloud County Historical Society Museum was opened in Concordia.
  • The Cloud County Community College was founded in 1997.
  • In 2011, the Blosser Municipal Airport was designated a Kansas Historic Aviation Site.