Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
509 West 5th Street, Red Wing, Minnesota
( Marker is at the intersection of West 5th Street and East Avenue on West 5th Street.)
Marker installed: 1913

  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 Minnesota.
The iron ore industry played a significant role in Minnesota's early development. The Mesabi Range, located in the northeastern part of the state, is one of the largest iron ore deposits in the world.
Minnesota random facts
Goodhue County, located in southeastern Minnesota, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Dakota and the Ojibwe. European settlers began to explore the region in the early 19th century, attracted by its fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1853, Goodhue County was officially established, named after James Madison Goodhue, the first printer and editor of the Minnesota Pioneer. The county quickly developed as pioneers flocked to the area, primarily engaging in agriculture and logging. Towns such as Red Wing, the county seat, and Cannon Falls grew as trading and transportation hubs, playing crucial roles in the county's development.

The 19th century also marked the arrival of immigrants from Europe, including German, Irish, and Scandinavian settlers. These newcomers brought their cultural traditions and skills, contributing to the further growth and diversity of the county. Agriculture remained an important industry, with farming and milling becoming key economic drivers.

Throughout the 20th century, Goodhue County continued to evolve. The county experienced notable progress in transportation with the construction of highways and railroads, facilitating connections to neighboring regions. Industrial expansion also occurred, diversifying the economy beyond agriculture. Today, Goodhue County blends its rich history with modern amenities, attracting visitors with its charming small towns, scenic landscapes, and historical sites.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Goodhue County, Minnesota.

  • 1853 - Goodhue County was established on March 5, as one of the nine original counties in the Minnesota Territory.
  • 1854 - The city of Red Wing, now the county seat, was founded and became a hub for riverboat traffic on the Mississippi River.
  • 1855 - The county government was organized, and regular elections were held.
  • 1862 - The Dakota War uprising led to tensions and conflicts between settlers and Native Americans in the county.
  • 1868 - The College of St. Teresa, now known as St. Catherine University, was established in the city of Red Wing.
  • 1873 - The Red Wing State Training School, now called the Minnesota Correctional Facility - Red Wing, was established as a reform school for boys.
  • 1898 - The Goodhue County Courthouse in Red Wing was completed and still serves as the county's primary government building.
  • 1970s - The county experienced significant economic growth due to the expansion of agricultural and manufacturing industries.
  • 1984 - The Red Wing Shoe Company Museum was opened to showcase the history and success of the renowned footwear company.
  • 1996 - The Welch Village Ski Area, a popular winter recreational destination, was acquired by Goodhue County.