Historical Marker

Monroe County Civil War Fallen Soldiers Memorial

Historical marker location:
687 East Front Street, Monroe, Michigan
( Memorial is at the intersection of East Front Street and Navarre Street, on the right when traveling west on East Front Street.)
Marker installed: 2012

  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 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
Monroe County, Michigan has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ottawa and Potawatomi, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the area for their livelihoods. However, in the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, led by French fur traders who established trading posts along the River Raisin.

The area experienced significant growth and development in the early 19th century, as Monroe County was officially established in 1817. It soon became a key transportation hub, with the construction of the Erie Canal and later the railroads. This strategic location attracted businesses and industries, turning Monroe County into a thriving economic center. Agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping played crucial roles in the region's growth, making it one of the most prosperous counties in Michigan.

Monroe County also played an important role during the War of 1812. The Battle of Frenchtown, also known as the Battle of the River Raisin, took place in January 1813, resulting in a devastating defeat for American forces. The battle is remembered as one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and its aftermath saw atrocities committed by retreating British forces against American prisoners. This event served as a catalyst for future military operations and ultimately led to the future development of the area.

In more recent history, Monroe County has been a leader in education and conservation efforts. The establishment of Monroe County Community College in 1964 provided accessible higher education opportunities for residents. Meanwhile, the county has made efforts toward environmental preservation, including the creation of Refuge Gateway and the River Raisin National Battlefield Park. These initiatives continue to shape the county's development while honoring its vibrant history.

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

  • 1817: Monroe County is established as a county in the Michigan Territory.
  • 1830: The Erie Canal is completed, connecting Monroe County to the eastern seaboard and facilitating economic growth.
  • 1831: The city of Monroe, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1837: Michigan becomes a state, with Monroe County playing a key role in its formation.
  • 1845: The Great Lakes and the Mississippi River are connected with the opening of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, benefiting Monroe County's shipping industry.
  • 1861-1865: Monroe County residents actively participate in the Civil War, with many joining the Union Army.
  • 1870: The Toledo, Ann Arbor, and Northern Michigan Railway is completed, improving transportation and spurring industrial development.
  • 1892: The iconic Monroe County Courthouse, designed by architects Elijah E. Myers and Claire Allen, is completed.
  • 1904: The Ford Motor Company is founded by Henry Ford in nearby Detroit, leading to economic growth and job opportunities for Monroe County residents.
  • 1959: Monroe County Community College is established, providing higher education opportunities for local residents.
  • 1974: The Monroe Power Plant, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States, begins operations.
  • 1984: The River Raisin National Battlefield Park is established to commemorate the Battles of the River Raisin, which took place during the War of 1812.