Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
544 East Mississippi, Liberty, Missouri
( Marker can be reached from East Mississippi Street, 0.1 miles east of North Jewell Street.)
Marker installed: 1931

  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.

Missouri is a beauty, from its rolling hills to its towering bluffs.
Kit Bond in Remarks at the Missouri State Fair in 1994
Clay County, Missouri, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Osage, Delaware, and Kansa tribes. European exploration of the region began in the late 18th century, with French trappers and traders establishing trading posts along the Missouri River.

In 1822, Clay County was officially established and named after Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman at the time. The county quickly became a hub for settlers moving westward, serving as a gateway to the western frontier. The town of Liberty, located in Clay County, became a center of commerce and trade, attracting a diverse population.

During the mid-19th century, Clay County played a significant role in the emergence of the abolitionist movement. Many residents were vocal opponents of slavery, and Liberty became known as a hotbed for anti-slavery sentiment. Notable figures such as Frank James and Jesse James, who later gained fame as outlaws, grew up in Clay County and were influenced by the abolitionist sentiments prevalent in the area.

Clay County also played a vital role in the development of transportation and infrastructure in Missouri. The construction of the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad in the late 19th century facilitated trade and travel in the region. The county continued to flourish throughout the 20th century, with the growth of the Kansas City metropolitan area and the expansion of education, healthcare, and industry.

Today, Clay County remains a vibrant and thriving community, blending its rich history with modern advancements. The county boasts a diverse economy, with a mix of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. It is also home to various cultural attractions, including museums, parks, and historical sites that showcase the county's fascinating past.

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

  • 1822: Clay County is established by the Missouri legislature.
  • 1826: Liberty, the county seat of Clay County, is laid out.
  • 1833: The infamous Mormon War takes place in Clay County, leading to the expulsion of Mormons from the county.
  • 1855: William Quantrill, a Confederate guerrilla leader, organizes his band of raiders in Clay County.
  • 1862: The Battle of Blue Mills Landing, a small but significant Civil War engagement, occurs in Clay County.
  • 1864: Jesse James, a notorious outlaw, and his gang launch their first successful daylight bank robbery in Gallatin, Clay County.
  • 1872: A devastating tornado hits Kearney in Clay County, causing significant damage.
  • 1951: Smithville Lake is built in the southern part of Clay County as a flood control and recreational project.
  • 1955: The Clay County Historical Society and Museum is established, preserving the history of the county.
  • 1997: The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, adjacent to Clay County, undergoes major renovation and expansion.