Union City Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Union City, Michigan
( Memorial is at the intersection of N. Broadway St and Allen St, on the right when traveling north on N. Broadway St.)
Marker installed: 1884

Marker
© OpenStreetMap contributors
  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.

Loading...
Searching for other points of interest within 3 miles of this location.
The name "Michigan" comes from the Ojibwe word "mishigamaa," which means "large water" or "large lake." This refers to Lake Michigan, which is one of the five Great Lakes that border the state.
Branch County, Michigan, located in the Great Lakes region, has a rich history spanning centuries. Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Miami, originally inhabited the area before European settlement. In the early 19th century, pioneers from New York and New England began to settle in the county, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water resources.

Branch County was officially established in 1829 and named after John Branch, the United States Secretary of the Navy at the time. The county quickly saw growth and development as a result of its advantageous location along the historic Sauk Trail, an important trading route between Detroit and Chicago. With its proximity to major waterways such as the St. Joseph River, the county became a hub for trade and transportation, attracting even more settlers.

The county's economy thrived on agriculture, with settlers focusing on farming, particularly the production of wheat and corn. The development of the railroad in the mid-19th century further fueled the county's growth, as it improved transportation and facilitated the movement of goods to larger markets.

Throughout its history, Branch County has played a role in important historical events. In the mid-1800s, the county served as an important stop on the Underground Railroad, aiding escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. The county also witnessed significant industrial development, including the establishment of factories and mills in cities like Coldwater and Union City, which brought economic prosperity to the region.

Today, Branch County remains a vibrant and diverse community that continues to honor its rich history while embracing modern progress. From its early days as an agricultural center to its present-day status as a thriving community, Branch County serves as a testament to the resilience and fortitude of its residents.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Branch County, Michigan.

  • 1829 - Branch County is established
  • 1831 - The first permanent settlement is established in Union City
  • 1837 - The Michigan state government approves the formation of Branch County
  • 1840 - The county seat is established in the village of Branch
  • 1842 - The village of Branch is renamed Coldwater
  • 1850 - The railroad reaches Coldwater, enhancing transportation in the region
  • 1859 - The first public high school in the county is built in Coldwater
  • 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and many soldiers from Branch County serve
  • 1870 - Population growth in the county leads to improvements in infrastructure
  • 1898 - The Michigan Bean Company is established in Coldwater, becoming a major industry
  • 1920 - The historic Tibbits Opera House is built in Coldwater
  • 1933 - The Prohibition era ends, boosting the local economy with the reopening of breweries and distilleries
  • 1950 - The construction of Coldwater Lake State Park begins
  • 1970 - The population of Branch County exceeds 30,000
  • 1983 - Fire damages several buildings in downtown Coldwater
  • 1998 - Branch County celebrates its 150th anniversary
  • 2008 - Economic downturn affects the county, leading to job losses and businesses closing