Historical Marker

Grand Army Of The Republic Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Jonesville, Michigan
( Memorial is at the intersection of East Chicago Street (U.S. 12) and Evans Street (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling east on East Chicago Street.)

  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 was the site of the deadliest school massacre in American history. In 1927, a school board member in Bath, Michigan, named Andrew Kehoe detonated explosives he had planted in the local school, killing 38 children and six adults. Kehoe had also killed his wife and set fire to his farm before carrying out the attack.
Michigan random facts
Hillsdale County, MI is located in southern Michigan and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Ottawa people. European settlers began moving into the area in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming.

In 1829, the county was officially established and named after the hills that dominate the landscape. The early years of Hillsdale County were marked by rapid growth and development, with the establishment of the county seat in the town of Hillsdale in 1839. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further spurred economic growth, fostering trade and attracting new industries to the region.

During the Civil War, Hillsdale County played an important role, with many of its residents enlisting in the Union Army. The county also saw significant political activity during this time, as it became a hotbed of abolitionist sentiment. The Hillsdale County Anti-Slavery Society was established in 1840, and the local college, Hillsdale College, became a center for anti-slavery activities.

In the 20th century, Hillsdale County continued to thrive economically, with the automobile industry playing a significant role in its growth. The area also became known for its vibrant agricultural community, with dairy farming and crop production becoming major industries. Today, Hillsdale County remains a quaint and close-knit community, with a strong agricultural heritage and a dedication to preservation of its historic buildings and landmarks.

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

  • 1829: Hillsdale County is established on October 29.
  • 1834: The first courthouse is constructed in Hillsdale.
  • 1835: The Michigan Southern Railroad reaches Hillsdale.
  • 1844: Hillsdale College is founded.
  • 1867: The Michigan State Normal School (now Hillsdale College) is established.
  • 1882: The Hillsdale Daily News is first published.
  • 1950: The Hillsdale County Fair begins.
  • 1967: Hillsdale Community Health Center opens.
  • 1974: The railroad tracks through Hillsdale are removed.
  • 1981: The Hillsdale County Historical Society is formed.
  • 2009: A new hospital, Hillsdale Hospital, is built in Hillsdale.