Historical Marker

Athens County Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial

Historical marker location:
Athens, Ohio
( Marker is on Union Street, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1893

  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 Ohio.
The Great Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a prehistoric effigy mound in the shape of a serpent that is more than 1,300 feet long. It is one of the largest effigy mounds in the world and is estimated to have been built by the Adena culture more than 1,000 years ago.
Ohio random facts
Athens County, located in southeastern Ohio, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Delaware, and Wyandot. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile land and natural resources. The first permanent settlement, called Athens, was established in 1797, and the town quickly grew into an important regional center.

During the 19th century, Athens County experienced significant growth and development. It became the home of Ohio University, founded in 1804 as the first institution of higher education in the Northwest Territory. The presence of the university brought intellectual and cultural enrichment, and Athens became known as the "Athens of the West," a nickname that remains to this day. The county was also a center of industry, with coal mining becoming a major economic driver, and the Hocking Canal providing a vital transportation link.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Athens County faced challenges and changes. The decline of the coal industry and the rise of mechanization led to economic hardships for many residents. However, the county also saw important social and political movements, such as the labor movement and the women's suffrage movement. Activism and progressive ideas thrived in Athens County, leading to important social and political changes that would impact the entire region.

In modern times, Athens County continues to be a vibrant community, with a diverse economy that includes education, healthcare, and tourism. The county remains an important center for education, as Ohio University continues to grow and attract students from around the world. The natural beauty of the region, including the Hocking Hills State Park, draws visitors who come to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating. Today, Athens County is known for its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit.

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

  • 1797 - Athens County is established
  • 1804 - The town of Athens is laid out and becomes the county seat
  • 1809 - Ohio University is founded in Athens
  • 1815 - Steamboats begin to navigate the Hocking River, boosting transportation and trade in the area
  • 1833 - The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Athens County, further enhancing transportation and economic development
  • 1861-1865 - Athens County contributes soldiers to the Union Army during the American Civil War
  • 1870s - The coal mining industry becomes a major economic driver in Athens County
  • 1913 - A devastating flood hits Athens County, causing significant damage to the area
  • 1964 - Ohio University experiences student protests and demonstrations as part of the larger Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam War movements
  • 1993 - The Athens County Historical Society and Museum is established to preserve and showcase the county's history