Historical Marker

Freedom Park Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
305 West Elizabeth Street, Fenton, Michigan
( Memorial is at the intersection of West Elizabeth Street and West Shiawassee Avenue (Business U.S. 23), on the left when traveling east on West Elizabeth Street.)
Marker installed: 1926

  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.
Michigan is known for its many lighthouses, with over 120 lighthouses located along its Great Lakes shoreline. Many of these lighthouses are still in operation today and are popular tourist destinations.
Michigan random facts
Genesee County, located in southeastern Michigan, has a rich and colorful history that spans over two centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Ojibwa and the Ottawa, who utilized the fertile land for hunting and trading. The county takes its name from the Genesee River, which means "pleasant valley" in the Seneca language.

European settlement in Genesee County began in the early 1800s, with the establishment of trading posts and the construction of Fort Saginaw near present-day Saginaw. The county was officially formed in 1835 and its first permanent settlement, Flint, became a major center of industry due to its location along the Flint River.

In the mid-19th century, Genesee County experienced rapid growth and played a significant role in the state's development. The construction of canals and the arrival of the railroad facilitated transportation and boosted agricultural and manufacturing activities. Flint, in particular, became a leading manufacturer of carriages, wagons, and later automobiles.

The county faced significant challenges during the economic downturn of the late 20th century. The decline of the automotive industry had a severe impact on the local economy and resulted in job losses and population decline. However, efforts to revitalize the area have been made through initiatives focusing on diversifying the economy and attracting new industries, as well as investing in education and community development.

Today, Genesee County is a vibrant region that blends its historical heritage with a focus on innovation and progress. It is home to cultural attractions, such as the Flint Cultural Center, which houses museums, theaters, and the Flint Institute of Arts. The county also boasts beautiful natural landscapes, including the Genesee County Parks and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, providing residents and visitors with recreational opportunities.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Genesee County, Michigan.

  • 1813: Genesee County is established as a county in the Michigan Territory.
  • 1819: The first court session is held in Flint, the county seat of Genesee County.
  • 1836: The new county courthouse is built in Flint.
  • 1842: The Grand Trunk Western Railroad is completed, connecting Flint to other major cities in Michigan.
  • 1882: The first automobile is built in Flint by William Crapo Durant.
  • 1905: General Motors (GM) is founded in Flint by William Durant.
  • 1936: The Flint sit-down strike, a pivotal moment in the labor movement, takes place at General Motors plants.
  • 1986: Genesee Valley Center, the largest shopping mall in Flint and Genesee County, opens.
  • 2014: Flint is hit by a water crisis, as lead-contaminated water supply leads to a state of emergency.