Kearney Civil War and Spanish-American War Memorial
Historical marker location: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 University of Nebraska was founded in 1869, just two years after Nebraska became a state.
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century, with French trappers and traders venturing into the region. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that Buffalo County saw significant settlement. The passage of the Homestead Act in 1862, which allowed settlers to claim up to 160 acres of land, led to a wave of migration into the area. Many immigrants from Europe, primarily German and Scandinavian immigrants, flocked to Buffalo County in search of a better life.
The construction of the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1860s greatly influenced Buffalo County's growth. The railroad provided a direct link to larger cities and markets, making the transportation of goods and people much easier. This led to the development of small towns along the railroad lines, such as Kearney, the county seat of Buffalo County. Kearney quickly became a hub for trade and commerce, attracting businesses and industries to the area.
Throughout its history, agriculture has been the backbone of Buffalo County's economy. The fertile soils, combined with the region's ample water supply from the Platte River, have made it ideal for farming. In the early years, settlers primarily engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops for their own consumption. However, as technology advanced and transportation improved, Buffalo County became known for its production of corn, soybeans, and beef cattle.
Today, Buffalo County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. It boasts a strong agricultural sector, a thriving retail and manufacturing industry, and a variety of educational and cultural institutions. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through the numerous museums and historical sites that showcase its past. Buffalo County remains a testament to the hard work and perseverance of its early settlers, who transformed a vast prairie into a prosperous and thriving community.
Buffalo County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Buffalo County, Nebraska.
- 1830s - Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha, inhabit the land that is now Buffalo County.
- 1846 - The area becomes part of the Nebraska Territory after the United States acquires the land through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
- 1860 - Buffalo County is established and named after the herds of buffalo that roamed the region in the past.
- 1871 - The city of Kearney is founded as the county seat.
- 1873 - The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad is constructed, which helps spur growth and economic development in Buffalo County.
- 1882 - The University of Nebraska at Kearney is established, becoming an important educational institution in the region.
- 1888 - Buffalo County Agricultural Society is formed to promote agricultural practices and hold annual county fairs.
- 1915 - Fort Kearny State Historical Park is established to preserve the history of the nearby fort and provide recreational opportunities.
- 1930s - Buffalo County experiences the effects of the Great Depression, leading to economic challenges and government intervention.
- 1942-1945 - The Kearney Army Airfield is constructed and serves as a training base for thousands of World War II pilots.
- 1976 - The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is built near Kearney, commemorating the area's role in westward expansion.
- 1997 - The Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center opens, honoring the dedication and bravery of firefighters.
- 2019 - Buffalo County celebrates its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its establishment.