Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Delphos, Kansas
Marker installed: 1897

1861 - 1865

  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 famous outlaw Jesse James was killed in St. Joseph, Missouri, which is just across the border from Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Ottawa County, Kansas, has a rich history that dates back to the pioneer era. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Kansa and Pawnee. European settlers started arriving in the mid-1800s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant wildlife.

In 1870, Ottawa County was officially established, named after the Ottawa tribe. The county's first town, Minneapolis, was founded in the same year. The town quickly grew, attracting settlers with its location along the Smoky Hill River and the Kansas Pacific Railway.

During this time, agriculture became the primary economic activity in Ottawa County. Wheat, corn, and livestock farming were the mainstay of the local economy, driven by the fertile soil and favorable climate. Grain elevators and mills sprang up, supporting the thriving farming industry.

The early 1900s brought further development to Ottawa County. Improved transportation infrastructure, including roads and railways, allowed for better connectivity to neighboring towns and cities. This stimulated economic growth and facilitated the transportation of goods and services. Over time, several other communities were established within the county, including Tescott and Bennington.

Today, Ottawa County remains an agricultural hub, with farming and ranching continuing to play a significant role in the local economy. The county also boasts a strong sense of community, with residents actively involved in preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

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

  • 1855 - Ottawa County is formed as an original county in Kansas Territory.
  • 1861 - The first permanent white settlement is established in Ottawa County.
  • 1871 - Minneapolis becomes the county seat.
  • 1881 - The first railroad line is completed in the county, connecting Minneapolis to other areas.
  • 1889 - The first electric lights are installed in Minneapolis.
  • 1907 - The Ottawa County Courthouse is completed.
  • 1923 - The present-day courthouse is built to replace the previous one.
  • 1950-1960 - Ottawa County experiences a population decline due to changes in agriculture and farming practices.
  • 1990s - Ottawa County starts to focus on tourism, highlighting its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.