A Civil War Cannon:
Historical marker location:Liberty and Union, Now and Forever
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.
Exploration of Park County began in the early 1800s with the arrival of fur trappers and explorers. In 1806, the famous Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the region, leaving its mark on local history. The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s brought a wave of settlers to the area, leading to the establishment of several mining towns, including Cooke City and Emigrant.
The late 19th century saw the growth of agriculture and ranching in Park County. The fertile land and favorable climate attracted settlers who turned the area into a hub for cattle and sheep ranching. Ranching and agriculture remain important industries in the county to this day.
Park County is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. With the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, a small portion of the county became part of the world's first national park. This designation brought increased tourism and economic opportunities to the area.
Today, Park County continues to thrive as a vibrant community that cherishes its history and natural beauty. It attracts visitors from around the world who come to explore Yellowstone National Park, engage in outdoor adventures, and experience the warm hospitality of its residents.
Park County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Park County, Montana.
- 1806 - The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through what is now Park County.
- 1870s - The area's first permanent settlements are established, including Livingston.
- 1882 - Park County is officially established.
- 1883 - The Northern Pacific Railroad reaches Livingston, leading to increased growth and development in the county.
- 1886 - The well-known Yellowstone National Park is established, becoming a major tourist destination in the county.
- 1920s - The mining industry booms in Park County, attracting many people to the area.
- 1970s - The county becomes a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.
- 1992 - The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks acquires Paradise Valley Wildlife Management Area in Park County.