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 Battle of New Orleans, fought on January 8, 1815, was one of the last battles of the War of 1812. It was a decisive victory for the United States, despite the fact that the war had officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814.
The region played a significant role in the colonial era when the French established Fort Saint Jean Baptiste in 1720 near Lake Charles. The fort served as a trading post and played a vital role in the fur trade with Native American tribes. In the early 19th century, the Spanish took control of the area after the Louisiana Purchase and established the district of Calcasieu.
During the antebellum period, Calcasieu Parish saw rapid growth, primarily driven by the expansion of the sugar industry and the arrival of new settlers. Plantations flourished along the fertile lands surrounding the Calcasieu River, utilizing enslaved labor. The region's economy also benefited from transportation advancements, such as steamboats.
The Civil War had a profound impact on Calcasieu Parish, as it disrupted the plantation economy and resulted in the emancipation of enslaved individuals. Reconstruction brought significant changes to the region, including political and social reforms. The lumber industry began to emerge, taking advantage of the abundant pine forests in the area.
In the 20th century, Calcasieu Parish continued to grow and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the region led to the establishment of refineries and petrochemical plants, making Lake Charles an important industrial hub. The area also developed a thriving tourism industry, attracting visitors to its beaches, parks, and cultural events.
Today, Calcasieu Parish remains an integral part of Louisiana's economy, with industries such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism continuing to contribute to its growth and prosperity. The region's rich history is celebrated through various cultural festivals and museums, preserving the legacy of its diverse past.
Calcasieu Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
- 1805 - William Johnson explores the Calcasieu River.
- 1817 - The Adams-Onís Treaty is signed, establishing the Sabine River as the boundary between Louisiana and Texas, and the Calcasieu District is formed.
- 1830 - Calcasieu Parish is officially established.
- 1852 - Lake Charles is designated as the parish seat.
- 1861-1865 - Calcasieu Parish is affected by the American Civil War.
- 1870 - The first courthouse in Lake Charles is completed.
- 1884 - The first shipment of sulphur is exported from Calcasieu Parish.
- 1911 - The Port of Lake Charles is officially established.
- 1918-1919 - The Great Fire of 1910 affects Calcasieu Parish.
- 1930s-1940s - The oil and gas industry booms in Calcasieu Parish.
- 1995 - Hurricane Audrey causes significant damage to the area.
- 2005 - Hurricane Rita causes widespread destruction in Calcasieu Parish.