Historical Marker

Leonidas Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Leonidas, Michigan
( Memorial can be reached from Fulton Road, 0.4 miles north of Michigan Highway 66, on the left when traveling north.)

  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.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is home to the only national park in the state, Isle Royale National Park. The park is a remote wilderness area consisting of a large island in Lake Superior and over 400 smaller islands, and is known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bald eagles.
Michigan random facts
St. Joseph County, MI is located in southwest Michigan and has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, establishing agricultural communities.

In 1829, St. Joseph County was officially organized and named after the St. Joseph River, which runs through the area. The county experienced rapid growth during the mid-19th century with the construction of rail lines, which connected it to nearby cities and facilitated the transportation of goods. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became a major industry in the county during this time, and it remains an important sector to this day.

During the late 19th century, St. Joseph County witnessed the establishment of many towns and villages, including Three Rivers, the county seat, Constantine, and Centreville. These settlements developed around the railroad stations and played significant roles in the county's economic and social development.

In the 20th century, St. Joseph County continued to thrive, despite the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. The county diversified its economy, with the manufacturing sector gaining prominence alongside agriculture. Today, St. Joseph County preserves its rich history through various historical sites and museums, offering visitors a glimpse into its past while embracing a vibrant present.

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

  • 1829 - St. Joseph County is established as a county in the state of Michigan.
  • Early 1830s - The first settlements in St. Joseph County are established, including the city of Sturgis.
  • 1833 - The county seat is established in Centreville.
  • 1834 - The first courthouse in St. Joseph County is built in Centreville.
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in the county, with the cultivation of crops such as corn and wheat.
  • 1890 - The Michigan Central Railroad extends its tracks to St. Joseph County, boosting transportation and trade.
  • Early 1900s - The county experiences a period of industrial growth, with the establishment of factories and mills.
  • 1953 - The construction of the St. Joseph Valley Parkway (US 131) begins in the county, improving road connectivity.
  • Late 20th century - St. Joseph County focuses on diversifying its economy, with the growth of the healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.