Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
1111 13th Street, Aurora, Nebraska
( Marker is on 12th Street north of L Street, on the right when traveling north.)

  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.

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Nebraska random facts
Hamilton County, Nebraska has a rich and diverse history that stretches back hundreds of years. The area that is now Hamilton County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha tribes. European settlement began in the mid-1800s, when immigrants from countries like Germany, Sweden, and Czechoslovakia arrived in search of new opportunities.

In 1857, Hamilton County was officially organized and named in honor of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The county's growth and development received a significant boost with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s. The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad connected Hamilton County to larger markets and facilitated the transportation of goods and people.

Agriculture played a vital role in the county's early development, with homesteaders and settlers establishing farms and ranches across the area. Wheat, corn, and cattle became major products, and the county's economy flourished. In the early 1900s, the construction of irrigation systems transformed the region into a prime location for sugar beet production. The industry thrived, and Hamilton County became known as the "Sugar Valley."

Over the years, Hamilton County has experienced both hardships and achievements. The Great Depression and several severe droughts in the 1930s brought significant challenges to the local economy and population. However, the county persevered, adapting to changing circumstances and implementing innovative farming techniques. Today, Hamilton County continues to be predominantly agricultural, with a thriving farming community and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices and diversification.

Overall, Hamilton County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents, who have worked together to shape the area into the vibrant community it is today.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hamilton County, Nebraska.

  • 1857 - Hamilton County is established as one of the original counties in the Nebraska Territory.
  • 1864 - The first settlers arrive in Hamilton County, primarily from Illinois and Iowa.
  • 1867 - The county seat is established in Aurora.
  • 1871 - The first school in Hamilton County, called the "Pleasant Home School," is built.
  • 1879 - The railroad reaches Hamilton County, greatly boosting transportation and economic development in the area.
  • 1884 - The Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company is formed, aiding local farmers in storing and shipping their crops.
  • 1890 - The population of Hamilton County reaches over 4,000 residents.
  • 1903 - Hamilton County Hospital opens in Aurora, providing improved healthcare services to the community.
  • 1919 - The American Legion Post is established in Aurora, providing support to veterans and their families.
  • 1935 - The Civilian Conservation Corps camp is established near Phillips, providing employment opportunities during the Great Depression.
  • 1954 - Hamilton County becomes an important center for corn and soybean production, contributing to Nebraska's agricultural industry.
  • 1972 - The Hamilton County Speedway opens in Aurora, becoming a popular destination for auto racing enthusiasts.
  • 1982 - The Plainsman Museum is established in Aurora, showcasing the history and culture of Hamilton County.
  • 1996 - The Hamilton County Fairgrounds are renovated and expanded, hosting various events and gatherings.