Historical Marker

Mackinaw's Civil War Cannons

Historical marker location:
107 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, Michigan
( Marker is on South Huron Avenue, on the right when traveling north.)

The Guns (Cannons) That Won the Civil War. Mackinaw City Historical Pathway

  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 Michigan.
The Kellogg brothers, John Harvey and Will Keith Kellogg, who invented corn flakes, were born in Michigan. They began their cereal company in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the city became known as the "Cereal Capital of the World" due to the many cereal companies that were based there.
Michigan random facts
Cheboygan County, located in northern Michigan, is rich in history and has a diverse past. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa and Ottawa, who used the land for fishing and hunting. The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, primarily French voyageurs and fur traders. This led to the establishment of fur trading posts along the Cheboygan River, which played a pivotal role in the area's development.

In 1844, Cheboygan County was officially established. The county's economy thrived on the timber industry, as vast forests in the region provided ample resources for logging. Lumber mills began to spring up along the rivers, which fueled the local economy and attracted more settlers. The town of Cheboygan, the county seat, became a bustling hub for logging activities and shipping timber to larger cities.

With the advent of railroads in the late 19th century, Cheboygan County experienced further growth and prosperity. The rail networks allowed for easier transportation of goods, leading to the expansion of industries such as fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The abundance of fish in Lake Huron attracted commercial fishing companies, while fertile soils supported the growth of agriculture, particularly fruit orchards.

In the early 20th century, Cheboygan County became a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county's numerous lakes and rivers provided opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond. Today, Cheboygan County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, preserving its rich history while embracing its natural resources and charming communities.

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

  • 1840: Cheboygan County is organized and established as a county in the state of Michigan.
  • 1853: The village of Cheboygan is incorporated and becomes the county seat.
  • 1880s: The timber industry booms in the county, leading to significant economic growth and the establishment of sawmills.
  • 1881: The Cheboygan County Courthouse is built, becoming an iconic landmark in the area.
  • 1882: The Michigan Central Railroad reaches Cheboygan, boosting transportation and trade opportunities for the county.
  • 1889: Cheboygan County Historical Museum is established to preserve and showcase the county's history.
  • 1897: The U.S. Coast Guard station is established in Cheboygan, marking the beginning of its long-standing presence in the county.
  • 1900s: Tourism begins to play a significant role in the county's economy, with visitors attracted to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
  • 1948: The Big Y Sportsmen's Club is founded, becoming a popular destination for hunting and fishing enthusiasts.
  • 1972: The Cheboygan Opera House is restored, becoming a cultural and performing arts center for the county.
  • 1990s: Cheboygan County experiences population growth and development in various sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare services.