Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Redwood Falls, Minnesota
( Memorial can be reached from North Swain Street, 0.8 miles north of East Bridge Street (U.S. 71), on the right when traveling north.)
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.

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
Redwood County, Minnesota has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Dakota Sioux Native Americans who relied on the surrounding resources for their survival. European settlers began arriving in the region in the mid-1800s, leading to significant changes in the landscape and the establishment of towns and agriculture.

In 1855, the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed, opening up the area to white settlement. This led to a surge in population as immigrants from Europe, particularly Germany and Scandinavia, arrived in Redwood County to establish their homes and farms. Agriculture became the main industry, with the fertile soil providing favorable conditions for crop cultivation.

The county was officially established on March 5, 1862, and was named after the abundant Redwood trees that once covered the area. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Redwood County experienced steady growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to larger cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, facilitating the transportation of goods and people.

However, the area also faced challenges during this period. The devastating grasshopper plagues in the 1870s and the Great Depression in the 1930s both impacted the local economy and caused hardships for residents. Despite these setbacks, Redwood County's resilience and determination allowed it to recover and continue to thrive.

Today, Redwood County remains a predominantly agricultural region with a diverse community. Its rich history and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore its scenic landscapes and learn more about its heritage.

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

  • 1851 - Redwood County created by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1852 - First settler, Joseph Lee Heywood, arrived in what is now Redwood Falls.
  • 1855 - Redwood Falls surveyed and platted.
  • 1862 - Sioux Uprising occurred in the area, resulting in the temporary evacuation of settlers.
  • 1866 - Redwood County officially organized.
  • 1867 - First newspaper, "The Redwood Gazette," established in Redwood Falls.
  • 1870 - Redwood County's population reaches over 1,000.
  • 1873 - First courthouse built in Redwood Falls.
  • 1883 - Great Hinckley Fire affects Redwood County, causing substantial damage.
  • 1895 - Redwood County Historical Society formed to preserve the county's history.
  • 1900 - Redwood County's population reaches over 15,000.
  • 1928 - Redwood County Courthouse replaced with a new building.
  • 1975 - Lower Sioux Indian Reservation established in Redwood County.
  • 1997 - Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site developed to serve as a cultural and educational center.
  • 2007 - First wind farm in Redwood County constructed.
  • 2019 - Redwood County celebrates its 168th anniversary.