National Register Listing

Kinsley Civil War Monument

a.k.a. 047-2860-0011

L Rd., Hillside Cemetery, Kinsley, KS
Local significance of the object:
Art

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
  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.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The famous outlaw Jesse James was killed in St. Joseph, Missouri, which is just across the border from Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Edwards County is a county located in the state of Kansas, United States. It was officially established on February 26, 1874, and named after the American Civil War governor of Kansas, John H. Edwards. The area that Edwards County encompasses was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache nations.

The county's history is closely tied to the development of the railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway passed through Edwards County, providing a vital transportation link for both freight and passengers. This influx of transportation led to an increase in settlement within the county and the establishment of several towns, including Kinsley, the county seat.

Agriculture has played a significant role in the history of Edwards County. The fertile lands and favorable climate have made it an ideal location for farming and ranching. In the early years, the county's economy relied heavily on wheat production. However, as the years went by, other crops such as sorghum, soybeans, and corn became more prevalent. Cattle ranching also became a vital industry, and Edwards County is known for its rich traditions in cattle raising.

Throughout its history, Edwards County has faced challenges such as droughts and economic fluctuations. However, the resilient spirit of its residents has allowed the county to adapt and grow. Today, Edwards County continues to be a center for agriculture and ranching, while the small towns within its borders offer a glimpse into the county's rich history and culture.

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

  • 1874 - Edwards County is established on March 16, 1874, and named after W. C. Edwards, a settler and state senator.
  • 1876 - The town of Kinsley is founded as the county seat.
  • 1885 - The Edwards County Courthouse is built in Kinsley.
  • 1887 - The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches Kinsley, boosting the town's growth and economy.
  • 1893 - A tornado causes significant damage to Kinsley, destroying many buildings.
  • 1904 - The Kinsley Airfield becomes the first public airport in Kansas.
  • 1913 - The population of Kinsley reaches its peak at around 2,500 residents.
  • 1933 - The Dust Bowl hits Edwards County, causing severe agricultural losses and economic hardship.
  • 1947 - The Kinsley Municipal Swimming Pool is opened to the public.
  • 1958 - The Kinsley-Offerle school district is formed by consolidating several smaller school districts.
  • 1975 - The Edwards County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 2002 - The Gunfighters Wax Museum opens in Kinsley, showcasing the history of the Wild West.