Historical Marker

The Civil War and Lower Town

Historical marker location:
1024 Maiden Lane, Ann Arbor, Michigan
( Marker is at the intersection of Maiden Lane and Freesia Court, on the right when traveling east on Maiden Lane.)
Marker installed: 2014

  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
Washtenaw County, located in southeastern Michigan, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, particularly the Ojibwe and Potawatomi, who made use of the fertile land along the Huron River for farming and trade. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, establishing a small community called Ann Arbor.

The county was officially established in 1826 and was named after the Native American term for the river that runs through it, "Wash-ten-ong," meaning "faraway water." The area quickly grew in the 19th century, thanks to its proximity to Detroit and its favorable agricultural conditions. The construction of the Michigan Central Railroad in the 1830s further boosted the county's economic development, as it provided a direct connection to other major cities.

In the mid-19th century, education became a significant focus in Washtenaw County with the establishment of the University of Michigan in 1837. The university's presence brought intellectual and cultural wealth to the area, attracting scholars and professionals who contributed to the county's growth. Ann Arbor, the county seat, developed into a vibrant college town, known for its progressive thinking and innovative spirit.

Over the years, Washtenaw County has also played a significant role in American history. During the Civil War, it was a hub of anti-slavery sentiment and actively participated in the Underground Railroad. The county also witnessed activism during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

Today, Washtenaw County continues to thrive as a hub of education, technology, and culture. Its cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea, are known for their vibrant arts scenes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and diverse communities. The county remains a key center for research, innovation, and higher education in Michigan.

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

  • 1822 - Initial settlement by European-Americans begins in Washtenaw County
  • 1826 - Ann Arbor established as the county seat
  • 1829 - University of Michigan founded in Ann Arbor
  • 1835 - Washtenaw County officially organized
  • 1843 - First railroad line constructed in the county
  • 1861 - Civil War begins, many residents from Washtenaw County enlist
  • 1896 - The first automobile in Washtenaw County is driven in Ann Arbor
  • 1959 - Willow Run Airport (now Willow Run Airport) opens
  • 1963 - The Beatles perform at the University of Michigan's Hill Auditorium
  • 1970 - Student protests against the Vietnam War occur at the University of Michigan
  • 1983 - Washtenaw County Historical Society established to preserve local history
  • 1999 - Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission created to manage parks and trails