Historical Marker

Dodge County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Wasioja, Minnesota
( Memorial is on 212th Avenue south of 602nd Street, on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 2010

  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.

Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
Minnesota random facts
Dodge County is located in southeastern Minnesota and has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was initially inhabited by the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe, who used the land for hunting and gathering. The first European settlers arrived in the region in the early 1850s, drawn by the fertile soil and abundance of natural resources.

In 1855, Dodge County was officially organized and named after Henry Dodge, the governor of Wisconsin and Iowa Territory. The county experienced rapid growth with the arrival of the railroad in the 1860s, which facilitated transportation and trade. Agriculture became the primary economic activity, with farmers cultivating corn, wheat, and other crops. The growth of the farming community led to the establishment of various businesses and services, such as general stores, schools, and churches.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dodge County faced several challenges, including natural disasters and economic downturns. In 1883, a devastating tornado struck the town of Mantorville, causing significant damage. The region also dealt with the effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s, which led to widespread unemployment and poverty.

Despite these challenges, Dodge County has continued to develop and thrive. Today, it is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The county is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, such as fishing, camping, and hiking.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dodge County, Minnesota.

  • 1853: Dodge County was founded
  • 1855: The first settlers arrived in Dodge County
  • 1857: The town of Mantorville, the county seat, was platted
  • 1870: The Rochester and Southwestern Railroad reached Dodge County
  • 1890: The Dodge Center Township was organized
  • 1922: The Dodge County Courthouse was built in Mantorville
  • 1947: The Dodge Center Village incorporated
  • 1972: The county government center was constructed in Mantorville
  • 1993: A tornado caused significant damage in Hayfield
  • 2004: The Kasson-Mantorville High School was built in Kasson