Historical Marker

The Civil War / The Boys of Summer / Sports Dazzlers

Historical marker location:
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
( Marker is on Water Street.)

  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 famous Dred Scott case, which helped fuel the tensions that led to the Civil War, originated in Missouri. Dred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom in the Missouri courts in 1857, but the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled against him.
Missouri random facts
Cape Girardeau County, located in the southeastern part of Missouri, has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area was initially inhabited by the Mississippian Native American culture, who left behind ancient mounds and artifacts that provide insight into their way of life.

In the late 17th century, French explorers such as Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet ventured through the region, followed by French settlers who established a trading post in the area in the early 18th century. The town of Cape Girardeau was officially founded in 1793, named after Ensign Jean Baptiste de Girardot, a French officer who helped establish the trading post.

During the 19th century, Cape Girardeau County played a significant role in the early development of the state of Missouri. The area became an important transportation hub, with the Mississippi River serving as a vital trade route for steamboats carrying goods and passengers. The river also facilitated the growth of agriculture, as local farmers could easily transport their crops to markets in nearby St. Louis.

The county was heavily influenced by the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the region at various times. Cape Girardeau played a strategic military role due to its location, and saw skirmishes and battles throughout the war. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed during this period, but the area began to recover and rebuild after the war ended.

Today, Cape Girardeau County is a thriving community known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, historic sites, and natural beauty. The county continues to evolve and grow, while also preserving its rich history and heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.

  • 1793: Cape Girardeau County is established as one of the five original counties of the newly formed Missouri Territory.
  • 1806: The first permanent settlement is established near what is now the city of Cape Girardeau.
  • 1812: The first courthouse in the county is constructed.
  • 1850: The first railroad reaches Cape Girardeau County, spurring economic growth in the region.
  • 1861-1865: Cape Girardeau County sees significant activity during the American Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the area at different times.
  • 1873: The city of Cape Girardeau is officially incorporated.
  • 1903: Southeast Missouri State University is established in Cape Girardeau County.
  • 1928: The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, connecting Cape Girardeau to Illinois, opens.
  • 1973: The Trail of Tears State Park is established to preserve the memory of the forced removal of Native Americans in the 19th century.
  • 2005: The catastrophic Flood of 2005 affects Cape Girardeau County and much of the surrounding region.