Historical Marker

G.A.R.-W.R.C. Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
506 East Quincy Street, Pittsburg, Kansas
( Memorial can be reached from Quincy Street.)

  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 geographic center of the contiguous United States is located in a field near Belle Fourche, South Dakota, but a marker for it is located in a small town called Belle Plaine, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Crawford County, Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the region for thousands of years. The area was originally home to the Osage, Kansa, and Otoe tribes, who used the land for hunting and gathering. European settlers began moving into the area in the early 19th century, and the first permanent white settlement was established in 1866.

The county was officially organized on February 13, 1867, and was named after Samuel J. Crawford, the Governor of Kansas at the time. In the late 19th century, mining became a significant industry in Crawford County, leading to a population boom and economic prosperity. The discovery of coal, zinc, and lead deposits in the region attracted thousands of miners from all over the country.

The mining industry played a vital role in the county's development, but it also faced several challenges. Labor strikes and mine disasters were common, leading to increased labor unrest and the establishment of labor unions. Despite these challenges, the mining industry continued to thrive and contribute to the county's growth until the mid-20th century.

In recent years, Crawford County has shifted its focus from mining to other sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Southeast Kansas Community Health Center, Pittsburg State University, and several manufacturing companies are now significant employers in the region. Additionally, Crawford County offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and annual events, attracting both residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1867 - Crawford County is established on February 13.
  • 1867 - The first county elections are held in April.
  • 1868 - The city of Girard is established in June.
  • 1876 - Pittsburg is founded as a coal mining town.
  • 1882 - The first railroad reaches Pittsburg in June.
  • 1887 - Pittsburg State University is established.
  • 1903 - The International Harvester Company establishes a manufacturing plant in Pittsburg.
  • 1918 - Pittsburg State University becomes a four-year college.
  • 1950 - The first housing development, Meadowbrook Addition, begins construction.
  • 1961 - The first Walmart store in Kansas opens in Pittsburg.
  • 1996 - The Pittsburg Farmers' Market is established.