Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Northfield, Minnesota
( Marker is at the intersection of Division Street and Bridge Square on Division Street.)
Marker installed: 1921

  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 Mayo Clinic, a world-renowned medical center, was founded in Rochester, Minnesota in 1864.
Minnesota random facts
Rice County, located in southern Minnesota, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The first inhabitants of the region were Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Winnebago people. These tribes relied on the natural resources of the area, particularly the water sources and fertile soil for agricultural purposes.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to establish themselves in Rice County. The county was officially created in 1853 and named after Henry Mower Rice, a prominent politician and pioneer in Minnesota. The town of Faribault was chosen as the county seat, which quickly became a prosperous and influential town in the region.

The region's economy in the early years of settlement was primarily agriculture-based, with farming being the primary occupation of its residents. Rice County also became a key location in the development of flour milling and grain production in Minnesota. Numerous mills were established along the Straight River and Cannon River, which provided power for these industries.

Over the years, Rice County experienced growth and development in various sectors. The establishment of educational institutions, such as Carleton College and Shattuck-St. Mary's School, brought culture and intellectual life to the area. In more recent times, the county has seen further diversification with the expansion of healthcare, retail, and manufacturing industries.

Today, Rice County is a vibrant community that honors its history while embracing growth and progress. Visitors and residents alike enjoy its natural beauty, historic sites, and the rich heritage that has shaped the county into what it is today.

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

  • 1851 - Rice County is established as one of the original nine counties of Minnesota.
  • 1853 - The town of Faribault is founded, becoming the first county seat.
  • 1865 - The Northfield Bank is established, leading to the growth of the city of Northfield.
  • 1871 - Rice County experiences a devastating grasshopper plague, causing significant crop damage.
  • 1877 - The construction of the Stillwater and Winona Railroad begins, connecting Rice County to other parts of the state.
  • 1895 - The Rice County Courthouse is built, becoming a symbol of civic pride and architectural beauty.
  • 1923 - Carleton College, a renowned liberal arts institution, moves to Northfield.
  • 1935 - The creation of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in Faribault promotes accessibility to education for the deaf community.
  • 1969 - The community experiences severe flooding, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
  • 1999 - The Northfield Historical Society opens the Northfield Historical Society Museum, preserving the rich history of the county.
  • 2002 - The Faribault Woolen Mill is reopened, reinvigorating the local textile industry.