Historical Marker

Civil War /Spanish War /World War

Historical marker location:
11086 West Jefferson Avenue, River Rouge, Michigan
( Marker is on West Jefferson Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1927

  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.

Michigan is home to several famous musicians, including Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Iggy Pop, and Bob Seger. Motown Records, one of the most influential record labels in history, was also founded in Detroit in 1959.
Michigan random facts
Wayne County, Michigan has a rich historical background that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the region. The area was later explored by French settlers in the 17th century, with Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founding the City of Detroit in 1701. The region remained under French control until it was ceded to the British Empire in 1763. Wayne County was established in 1796 and was named after General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero.

During the 19th century, Wayne County experienced rapid growth and development, largely driven by the manufacturing industry. Detroit, the county seat, became known as the "Motor City" due to the rise of the automobile industry. The city became a hub for automotive manufacturing and attracted industrialists such as Henry Ford, who revolutionized the production process with the assembly line.

Wayne County played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly during the 1960s. The city of Detroit witnessed numerous protests and demonstrations advocating for racial equality and an end to discrimination. The infamous 1967 Detroit Riots, sparked by racial tensions and socioeconomic issues, resulted in widespread civil unrest and significant damage to the city.

In recent years, Wayne County has faced challenges related to economic decline and urban decay. The region has made efforts to revitalize urban areas, attract investment, and diversify its economy. Today, Wayne County remains a prominent part of Michigan's economy, driven by industries such as automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The county is also home to various cultural attractions and institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Henry Ford Museum.

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

  • 1796 - Wayne County is established as part of the Northwest Territory
  • 1805 - Detroit, the county seat, is incorporated as a town
  • 1815 - The War of 1812 ends, and Wayne County experiences rapid growth
  • 1827 - Wayne County's boundaries are redefined
  • 1854 - Detroit is incorporated as a city
  • 1861-1865 - Wayne County residents contribute to the Union effort during the Civil War
  • 1920s - Wayne County's population booms due to industrialization and the growth of the automotive industry
  • 1930s - Wayne County suffers from the Great Depression, but the automotive industry eventually recovers
  • 1940s-1950s - Wayne County experiences post-war economic growth and suburbanization
  • 1967 - The Detroit riot leads to civil unrest and significant changes in the city
  • 1973 - Construction of the Renaissance Center, a major landmark in downtown Detroit, begins
  • 1990s - Wayne County faces economic challenges, including the decline of the automotive industry
  • 2008-2014 - Wayne County suffers from the Great Recession, with high unemployment rates and a housing crisis