Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
4421 Main Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio
( Memorial is on Main Avenue south of West 44th Street, on the left 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.

The Ohio State University was established in 1870 and is one of the largest universities in the United States. Its football team, the Ohio State Buckeyes, has won eight national championships.
Ohio random facts
Located in northeastern Ohio, Ashtabula County has a rich and varied history that dates back to its early settlement in the late 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Erie people, who were later displaced by European colonial powers. In 1797, the Connecticut Land Company purchased the area as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, leading to the establishment of Ashtabula County in 1808.

During its early years, Ashtabula County experienced rapid growth thanks to its strategic location on Lake Erie. The region became a hub for shipping and trade, with bustling ports in Conneaut and Ashtabula Harbor. The county's agricultural potential also played a significant role in its development, with settlers cultivating crops and establishing farms throughout the area.

In the mid-19th century, Ashtabula County became a center for the iron and coal industries. The discovery of large iron ore deposits, coupled with the availability of coal for fuel, led to the establishment of numerous iron furnaces and steel mills. This led to a period of industrial expansion and economic prosperity, with Ashtabula County known as "the pig iron center of the world."

Unfortunately, this era of prosperity was short-lived, as the decline of the iron and coal industries in the early 20th century led to a period of economic struggle for the county. However, the area eventually rebounded by diversifying its economy and focusing on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

Today, Ashtabula County is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, wineries, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It remains an important agricultural center, producing crops such as grapes, apples, and maple syrup. With a rich history and a vibrant present, Ashtabula County continues to thrive as a unique and charming destination in Ohio.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ashtabula County, Ohio.

  • 1800 - Ashtabula County is established on February 10, 1800.
  • 1805 - The town of Jefferson is established and becomes the county seat.
  • 1811 - The first permanent European settlers arrive in Geneva.
  • 1817 - Ashtabula Harbor is incorporated as a village.
  • 1831 - The Ashtabula Train Disaster occurs, one of the deadliest railroad accidents in U.S. history.
  • 1848 - The Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad reaches Ashtabula County, improving transportation and trade.
  • 1852 - The Village of Ashtabula Harbor is renamed Ashtabula
  • 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and many young men from Ashtabula County serve in the Union Army.
  • 1870 - The first iron ore shipment from the Mesabi Range in Minnesota arrives at Ashtabula Harbor.
  • 1891 - The lift bridge is built over the Ashtabula River, replacing a swing bridge.
  • 1935 - The Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival is established to celebrate the county's historic covered bridges.
  • 1969 - The Ashtabula County Historical Society is founded to preserve the area's history.
  • 1975 - The Smolen-Gulf Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the United States, is built in Ashtabula County.
  • 1993 - The Great Ashtabula Train Disaster Memorial Park is dedicated to honor the victims of the 1876 train disaster.
  • 2018 - Ashtabula County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.