Historical Marker

Civil War Cannons

Historical marker location:
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
( Marker is on South Stadium Drive west of South Campus Drive, on the right when traveling east.)

  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.

Louisiana was a slave state before the American Civil War, and the state played a significant role in the Civil War. The Battle of Port Hudson, which took place in Louisiana in 1863, was the longest siege in American history.
Louisiana random facts
East Baton Rouge Parish, located in Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Houma, Choctaw, and Bayou Goula tribes. In the 18th century, French explorers and settlers arrived in the region, establishing a presence and influence that would shape the area's development.

The Parish's history took a significant turn in 1810 when it officially became a part of the newly formed Louisiana Territory. As the United States expanded and Louisiana became a state, East Baton Rouge Parish continued to grow, attracting settlers from various backgrounds, including African-Americans, Europeans, and Cajuns. The diverse cultural heritage of these groups would contribute to the unique identity of the area.

During the Civil War, East Baton Rouge Parish saw its share of turmoil. Baton Rouge itself was occupied by Union forces in 1862 and became a center for Union military operations in the region. The war brought about much destruction and brought significant changes to the social and economic landscape of the Parish.

In the modern era, East Baton Rouge Parish has continued to evolve and develop. The area has experienced rapid growth, with Baton Rouge becoming the state capital in 1849. Today, the Parish is home to a thriving economy with industries ranging from petrochemicals and manufacturing to education and healthcare. Despite its growth, the historical significance of East Baton Rouge Parish is still visible in the region through its preservation of historic buildings, landmarks, and cultural traditions.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1699 - French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville arrives in present-day Louisiana, including the area that would become East Baton Rouge Parish.
  • 1763 - Treaty of Paris ends French and Indian War, transferring control of Louisiana (including East Baton Rouge Parish) from France to Spain.
  • 1800 - Spain cedes Louisiana back to France through the Treaty of San Ildefonso.
  • 1803 - United States purchases Louisiana from France in the Louisiana Purchase, gaining control of East Baton Rouge Parish.
  • 1810 - West Florida Rebellion, including the area of East Baton Rouge Parish, declares independence from Spain and briefly forms the Republic of West Florida.
  • 1812 - Louisiana achieves statehood, with East Baton Rouge Parish as one of its original parishes.
  • 1840 - Baton Rouge becomes the capital of Louisiana.
  • 1846 - East Baton Rouge Parish experiences a major flood, causing significant damage to the area.
  • 1861 - Louisiana secedes from the Union, joining the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1862 - Union forces capture Baton Rouge, bringing East Baton Rouge Parish under Union control during the Civil War.
  • 1882 - The Louisiana State University (LSU) is founded, establishing a major educational institution in East Baton Rouge Parish.
  • 1918 - East Baton Rouge Parish is severely affected by the Spanish influenza pandemic, which spreads across the world.
  • 1973 - East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council is established, changing the governing structure of the parish.
  • 2005 - East Baton Rouge Parish, along with the rest of the Gulf Coast, is heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina, causing significant damage.