Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Lebo, Kansas
( Memorial is on Emmer Road north of Broadway, on the right when traveling north.)

  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 first successful airplane flight west of the Mississippi River took place in Kansas in 1910, when Clyde Cessna flew his plane for the first time in Wichita.
Kansas random facts
Coffey County, Kansas has a rich history that begins with its founding in 1855. The county was named after Colonel A.M. Coffey, a prominent figure in the early settlements of the region. The area was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage, until European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century.

The county experienced rapid growth in the late 1850s with the establishment of several towns, including Burlington, Waverly, and Lebo. These towns played a significant role in the early development of Coffey County, serving as centers for trade and commerce. The county became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad in the late 1800s.

Coffey County also played a significant role in the American Civil War. Many residents enlisted in the Union Army and fought in various battles, including the Battle of Mine Creek, considered one of the largest cavalry engagements of the war. After the war, the county continued to thrive, and agriculture became a major industry, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat and corn, and raising livestock.

In recent years, Coffey County has focused on developing its tourism industry. The county is home to several attractions, including John Redmond Reservoir, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Spirit of the Flint Hills Nature Center and the Coffey County Historical Museum offer visitors a glimpse into the area's history and natural beauty. Today, Coffey County continues to be a vibrant community, embracing its past while looking toward the future.

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

  • 1855 - Coffey County is established by the Kansas Territory Legislature.
  • 1859 - The city of Burlington is founded as the first county seat.
  • 1862 - The county seat moves to LeRoy due to concerns of flooding in Burlington.
  • 1863 - A courthouse is built in LeRoy to accommodate the county government.
  • 1870 - Coffey County Agricultural Society is formed to promote agricultural development.
  • 1873 - The city of Gridley is founded and becomes a railroad shipping point.
  • 1879 - A new courthouse is constructed in Burlington.
  • 1888 - Waverly is established as a coal mining town.
  • 1904 - Several towns, including LeRoy, are devastated by a tornado.
  • 1909 - The Coffey County Historical Society is organized to preserve the county's history.
  • 1935 - The Wolf Creek Dam is constructed for flood control on the Neosho River.
  • 1957 - The completion of Wolf Creek Generating Station brings economic growth to the county.
  • 2012 - The county celebrates its 150th anniversary with various events and activities.