Civil War Memorial
Historical marker location: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 first permanent European-American settlement in what is now Marshall County was made in 1854 by Thomas and Christopher Hawpe. Shortly after, towns began to emerge, including Marysville, the county seat, which was established in 1855. This sparked a period of rapid growth as pioneers flocked to the area in search of land and opportunities.
During the Civil War, Marshall County experienced its fair share of conflict. Located near the border between Kansas and Missouri, the county became embroiled in the larger territorial disputes. While the county itself was relatively peaceful, nearby skirmishes and raids occurred. The county also sent numerous soldiers to fight for the Union during the war.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Marshall County saw continued growth and development. Railroads expanded into the area, connecting it with larger cities and facilitating trade and commerce. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy, with farms and ranches sprouting up across the region. In the early 1900s, the area also became a center for oil production, further contributing to its prosperity.
Today, Marshall County embraces its rich history while looking towards the future. Its towns continue to thrive, and the county remains an important hub for agriculture and energy production. Historic landmarks and museums provide visitors with insights into its past, showcasing the resilience and spirit of its early settlers.
Marshall County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Marshall County, Kansas.
- 1855 - Marshall County is organized as the first county in the Kansas Territory.
- 1864 - The town of Marysville is established as the county seat.
- 1878 - The Union Pacific Railroad reaches Marysville, spurring economic growth.
- 1889 - A devastating fire destroys much of downtown Marysville.
- 1900 - The population of Marshall County reaches its peak at over 20,000 residents.
- 1930s - The Great Depression and Dust Bowl hit Marshall County, causing significant hardships.
- 1950s - Many rural residents leave the county in search of better economic opportunities.
- 1960s - There is a decline in population and economic activity in Marshall County.
- 1980s - Efforts to revitalize downtown Marysville begin, focusing on historic preservation.
- 2000s - The county experiences a slight population increase as new industries and businesses are established.