Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Litchfield, Minnesota
( Memorial can be reached from South Sibley Avenue (State Highway 22) 1.1 miles south of Depot Street (U.S. 12), on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1909

  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 first skyway system in the United States was built in Minneapolis in 1962, allowing for indoor pedestrian travel between buildings in the downtown area.
Minnesota random facts
Meeker County, located in central Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The region was originally inhabited by the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe, who used the land for hunting and fishing. In 1853, the United States government negotiated a treaty with the Dakota Sioux that opened up the area for settlement by European Americans.

The first European settlers arrived in what is now Meeker County in the late 1850s, establishing small farming communities along the shores of the Crow River. The county was officially established in 1856 and was named after Bradley B. Meeker, a pioneer and early judge in the region. As more settlers arrived, the county's population grew, and towns and villages began to form.

One of the notable events in Meeker County's history is the U.S-Dakota War of 1862. This conflict between the Dakota Sioux and European American settlers resulted in the forced removal of the Dakota from the region. Many settlers fled the area, and it took several years for the county to recover and rebuild.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Meeker County experienced a period of rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s connected the county to larger markets, leading to the establishment of flour mills, sawmills, and other industries. Agriculture also played a significant role in the county's economy, with the fertile soil and abundant water resources supporting the growth of corn, wheat, and livestock farming.

Today, Meeker County remains a thriving agricultural community, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The county is home to several parks, recreational areas, and historical sites, preserving its rich heritage for future generations to enjoy.

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

  • 1855: Meeker County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1856: The county is named after Bradley B. Meeker, a pioneer and politician.
  • 1857: The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Litchfield.
  • 1862: The Dakota War of 1862 leads to conflict in Meeker County.
  • 1868: The Minneapolis and Pacific Railroad reaches Meeker County, stimulating growth and development.
  • 1880: The population of Meeker County reaches over 10,000 residents.
  • 1890: The Great Northern Railway expands into Meeker County, further boosting the economy.
  • 1903: A new courthouse is constructed in Litchfield, replacing the original building.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression affects Meeker County, leading to economic hardships.
  • 1958: The Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame is established in Meeker County.
  • 1972: The Lake Koronis Regional Park is established, providing recreational opportunities for residents.
  • 1992: The county celebrates its 135th anniversary with various events and activities.
  • 2006: The Meeker County Historical Society is formed to preserve and showcase the county's history.