Historical Marker

Parrott Civil War Cannon

Historical marker location:
Niles, Michigan
( Memorial can be reached from W. Main Street (State Highway 139) 0.1 miles west of Front Street, on the right when traveling west.)

Riverfront Park Historical Trail

  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 Upper Peninsula of Michigan was once a major center for copper mining. The Keweenaw Peninsula was home to the largest concentration of copper mines in the world in the mid-19th century, and copper was an important natural resource for the state's economy.
Michigan random facts
Berrien County, located in southwestern Michigan, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area originally belonged to the Potawatomi Native American tribe, who used the fertile land for hunting and farming. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, fueled by the opening of the Erie Canal and the availability of cheap land. The first permanent European settlement in what is now Berrien County was established in 1822.

Throughout the 19th century, Berrien County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the St. Joseph River canal, completed in 1838, improved transportation and facilitated trade in the region. This led to the rise of various industries, including lumber milling, agriculture, and manufacturing. The city of St. Joseph, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, became a hub of economic activity and a popular tourist destination.

The mid-20th century brought significant changes to Berrien County. The decline of traditional industries prompted a shift towards tourism and service-based sectors. The growth of the automobile industry in nearby cities like Detroit also had a positive impact on the local economy. In recent years, the county has continued to diversify its economy, with a focus on attracting high-tech industries and promoting small businesses.

Today, Berrien County is known for its natural beauty, with miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan and a thriving agricultural sector. It is also home to several popular tourist destinations, including the Silver Beach Carousel, the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and various wineries and breweries. The county's rich history and picturesque landscapes continue to attract visitors and make it a desirable place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Berrien County, Michigan.

  • 1829 - Berrien County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
  • 1831 - The county's first courthouse is built in Berrien Springs.
  • 1833 - The city of Niles is founded as a trading post.
  • 1837 - Berrien County becomes part of the newly formed state of Michigan.
  • 1857 - The St. Joseph River is dredged, improving transportation and trade in the area.
  • 1870 - The railroad reaches Berrien County, further enhancing transportation and commerce.
  • 1894 - The county seat is moved from Berrien Springs to St. Joseph.
  • 1941-1945 - Berrien County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with factories producing military supplies.
  • 1959 - The construction of Interstate 94 connects Berrien County to the interstate highway system.
  • 1968 - The Silver Beach County Park is established, becoming a popular tourist destination.
  • 1980s - Berrien County experiences economic growth with the expansion of the fruit industry and the establishment of manufacturing companies.