The Civil War in Centralia
Historical marker location:Missouri's 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 county is named after Daniel Boone, a legendary American frontiersman and explorer, who spent the last years of his life in the area. Boone County was officially established in 1820, and the town of Columbia was selected to be the county seat. The early settlers of Boone County were primarily farmers, growing crops such as corn and tobacco, and raising livestock.
In the mid-19th century, Boone County played a significant role in the conflict over slavery in the United States. The county was divided over the issue, with some residents supporting slavery and others advocating for its abolition. During the American Civil War, Boone County saw its fair share of military clashes and skirmishes, as both Union and Confederate forces sought control of the region.
After the war, Boone County entered a period of growth and development. Columbia, the county seat, became a center of commerce and education, with the establishment of the University of Missouri in 1839. Throughout the 20th century, Boone County continued to expand, both in population and economic opportunities. Today, it is a thriving area with a diverse economy, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and technology.
Overall, the history of Boone County, Missouri, reflects the larger societal shifts and struggles of the nation as a whole, from its Native American roots to its involvement in the Civil War and its subsequent development.
Boone County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Boone County, Missouri.
- 1801: Boone County is established as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1818: The Town of Columbia is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1821: Missouri becomes a state, including Boone County.
- 1839: The University of Missouri is established in Columbia.
- 1859: The first railroad line reaches Boone County.
- 1861-1865: Boone County sees significant Civil War activity.
- 1872: Stephens College, a women's college, is founded in Columbia.
- 1878: The Missouri State Normal School (now Truman State University) is established in Columbia.
- 1892: The MKT railroad line is completed, connecting Boone County to major cities.
- 1907: Boone Hospital Center is founded in Columbia.
- 1928: The University of Missouri School of Music is founded.
- 1948: The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital opens in Columbia.
- 1964: The Columbia Regional Airport is established.