Historical Marker

Civil War

Historical marker location:
Greenville, Missouri
( Marker can be reached from U.S. 67, 0.2 miles north of State Highway FF, on the right when traveling south.)

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Missouri.
The town of Bonne Terre, Missouri, has the largest underground lake in the United States. The Bonne Terre Mine was once one of the world's largest lead mines, but is now a popular scuba diving destination.
Missouri random facts
Wayne County, Missouri has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the early 1800s. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Shawnee and Delaware tribes, who lived off the land and engaged in trade along the nearby rivers. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, drawn by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources.

The county was officially established on December 11, 1818, and was named after General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The early years saw the arrival of pioneers who cleared the land, established homesteads, and built communities. The county quickly became an agricultural hub, with crops like corn, wheat, and tobacco being cultivated.

Wayne County played a role in the American Civil War, with residents divided in their loyalties. Some supported the Union, while others sympathized with the Confederacy. The area saw skirmishes and raids as both sides vied for control. After the war, the county began to rebuild, focusing on agriculture and expanding its infrastructure.

Over the years, Wayne County has faced challenges such as natural disasters, economic fluctuations, and social changes. It has weathered floods, droughts, and economic recessions, but has always managed to persevere and adapt. Today, Wayne County remains a rural community with agriculture as its backbone, while also embracing tourism and outdoor recreation due to its beautiful natural landscapes and proximity to state parks and wilderness areas.

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

  • 1800 - The area that is now Wayne County is part of the Louisiana Purchase, owned by the United States.
  • 1818 - Missouri becomes a state, and the region is part of the newly formed Wayne County.
  • 1825 - The county seat is established in Greenville.
  • 1851 - Piedmont becomes the new county seat.
  • 1901 - The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway is constructed through Wayne County.
  • 1913 - The first bank in Wayne County is opened in Piedmont.
  • 1925 - The Ozark National Forest is established, including parts of Wayne County.
  • 1941 - Mark Twain National Forest is created, covering a large portion of Wayne County.
  • 1973 - The Sam A. Baker State Park is opened in Wayne County.
  • 2011 - Heavy rainfall leads to severe flooding in Wayne County, causing significant damage.